Winter is a brutal season. The cold temperatures, harsh winds and short days can be rough on both the skin and the spirit. But did you know it can also do some serious damage to your sprinkler system? The severe conditions can be so extreme that homeowners could find themselves spending thousands of dollars on repairs and replacement parts in order to return the system to optimal working conditions. Unfortunately, it’s often too late by the time people realize their sprinkler systems have been affected. Damage can go unnoticed until the sprinkler is needed next spring. A breakdown could leave the lawn, trees, shrubbery and flowers in a compromised state until your sprinkler contractors in Burlington County, NJ can make the necessary repairs.
The first step in keeping your sprinkler system safe and functioning through the winter season is to know about the potential effects of ice and snow.
Pipes damaged by frozen water
Most sprinkler systems are buried only a few inches in the ground. The shallow depth of the pipes makes them especially susceptible to freezing during cold temperatures. The pipes will begin to expand as any water trapped inside freezes. The narrow pipes can’t take the swelling frozen water and will crack due to the pressure. The entire length of pipe will need to be replaced to fix the problem. Otherwise, the water will be unable to move from the source to the distribution sprinkler, which will leave that part of the grass dead and dry.
Ruined sprinkler assembly
The main water supply is protected from the backflow of water by a safety feature known as the brass valve assembly. Failing to turn off the water can be detrimental to this important mechanism. The water lingering inside of the pipe will put the sprinkler assembly at risk as it freezes and expands. You’ll then be faced with an incredibly costly replacement, as the entire assembly will be cracked.
Cracking sprinkler heads
Anyone who has ever crushed a sprinkler head with a lawn mower or just by stepping on it knows just how fragile these important components are. Falling snow and ice can have the same effect. Water or snow inside the sprinkler head can cause it to break as the frozen liquid expands from within. The spraying field could be compromised if the nozzle were to rupture the next time the sprinkler is used. If that’s not enough, the supply line could also crack due to the extreme temperature fluctuations.
Shutting off the water, turning off the controller and removing all liquid from the pipes before the start of winter are all important steps to protecting your sprinkler system. It’s not too late, though. The professionals at Star Sprinkler Systems Inc. can perform a full inspection of the system to identify any problem areas and make necessary repairs before it’s time to water the grass. As the top sprinkler contractors in Burlington County, NJ, we provide efficient and affordable services according to your schedule. Call us today to arrange a seasonal inspection!