Protect Your Investment: Irrigation Winterization

11/21/11

For professional irrigation winterization services in Topeka and the surrounding areas of Kansas, think Schendel Lawn and Landscape!

Last month, Schendel Lawn and Landscape, a Kansas lawn care and landscape maintenance company, blogged about the importance of a fall landscape cleanup, which will help you prepare and protect your landscape for the harsh, winter months. One thing we did not mention then because we feel it deserves its own special attention is winterizing your irrigation system.

You may be thinking, why do I have to winterize my irrigation system, it is safely protected from the elements underground; yes, this is partially true, but despite the fact that Kansas is not the frostiest state in the country, we do get enough frost each year to seriously damage your irrigation system, which is a substantial monetary investment for homeowners. During periods of frigid, freezing weather, the frost level continues to sink deeper and deeper into the ground. This frost can freeze any water that may be left behind in your sprinklers, especially in low-lying areas. Also, bouts of freezing weather, followed by relatively mild days can cause alternately freezing and thawing, which can really damage pipes, valves and fittings, especially if they are metal. Here’s what can happen if you don’t perform an annual irrigation winterization:

• Cracked pipes, if they are allowed to freeze with water inside them

• Cracked pipe fittings

• Damage to the expensive valves and anti-siphon devices

If your home was going to sit empty all winter, while you relocate to sunny Florida, you would shut off the water supply and drain the pipes in your home to prevent them from freezing and cracking. The same is true for your irrigation system that is going to sit dormant all winter.

While most winterizations around your home can be done on your own, Schendel Lawn and Landscape does not recommend irrigation winterization as a do-it-yourself project. Because of the potential for flying debris, using an air compressor, which is one of the best ways to “blow out” water from your irrigation system, can be dangerous and best left to the professionals.

If you are ready to winterize your irrigation system, Schendel Lawn and Landscape is ready to help. We offer professional irrigation winterization services in Topeka, Lawrence and throughout our Kansas service area. For more information or to schedule your irrigation winterization, please contact our Topeka lawn care company today.

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