The number one threat to your sprinkler system in Burlington County, NJ is freezing temperatures. When temperatures drop rapidly in the winter, you could risk freezing the sprinkler pipes and other components that’ll require major repairs. The worst part is that you might not know that your system was affected by a winter freeze until springtime rolls around and you notice leaks in your yard.
Tips to protect your system from freezing
Luckily, we’re here to help make sure you’re not the victim of a frozen sprinkler system. By following the advice below, you should be able to avoid having to deal with a frozen system this winter:
- Shut off the water: First things first, shut off the water supply for your system. You won’t need to water your flowers or grass any time soon! The main shutoff point for your irrigation system should be in your basement or crawlspace, or buried underground in a valve box. If it’s in a valve box, you might need to call the installation company to come shut it off for you.
- Shut off the controller: Anyone with an automatic sprinkler will also have to shut down the timer or controller. Your controller should have an off switch or “rain mode” that’ll stop the valves from activating but still keep track of the time and program information. If you want, you can also unplug the controller, but that means you’ll need to reprogram your system in the spring. In addition to ensuring your sprinkler doesn’t start running in the middle of the winter, this step will also save you a little bit of money on your electricity bill.
- Insulate: Insulation is your best friend during this time of year. A properly insulated irrigation system in Burlington County, NJ is much less likely to freeze and break on those frigid winter nights. Insulate your shutoff valve and any piping that’s above the ground. Insulation is easy to find at any hardware store, but a thick blanket will also do the trick if you don’t want to spend any money.
- Drain the pipes: Draining the pipes and ensuring that there’s no water left to freeze is a key point. There are multiple ways to drain your pipes by yourself. However, the best method is to leave this job to the pros. Make a habit of calling your sprinkler service team to have them blow out your system before the first freeze of the season.
- Check the owner’s manual: In addition to performing the steps above, we recommend checking your system’s owner’s manual to see what the manufacturer says about winterization. There are typically some beneficial tips and tricks in there that’ll help ensure your sprinkler system is ready to go in the spring.
If you have an irrigation system in Burlington County, NJ and you haven’t winterized it yet, call Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. right away. It might not be too late to save your system from freezing over this winter, but if it has, you can count on us to make any necessary repairs so that it’s ready to go in the spring.