Should I turn off sprinklers in winter?

Now that night temperatures are dipping below freezing, it's time to think about turning off your irrigation system. Shorter days, cooler temperatures and plant dormancy, all signal decreased needs for water. To avoid damage from freezing, shut off your system before cold temperatures arrive.

Should you turn off your sprinkler system in winter?

You should shut off your irrigation system just before temperatures in your region begin to dip below freezing at night. Don't shut off your irrigation system too early. Often homeowners shut their systems down as soon as the fall season arrives because they believe that their lawn requires less water.

What happens if you don't winterize sprinklers?

If you forget to winterize your sprinklers, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads. When water freezes, it expands causing the parts of your system to burst and destroying your sprinkler system.

What temp should I turn off sprinklers?

Warm-season lawns start to lose their color when the temperature drops below 55°F, and they go dormant after the first hard freeze (when the air temperature falls to 28°F or lower long enough to freeze vegetation and cause ice formation in standing water).

Should I turn off sprinklers when frozen?

You ABSOLUTELY do not want to run your sprinkler system during a hard freeze as this will cause damage to your irrigation system. Next, in order to protect your sprinkler system by preventing it from running during a hard freeze, a good stop measure is the addition of a rain and freeze sensor.

How To Winterize Your Sprinklers

Will sprinklers freeze at 32?

While you may be eager to get your lawn back to its pristine green state, it is important to remember that temperatures at and below 32 degrees Fahrenheit put your sprinkler system at risk of freezing.

What do you do with sprinklers in the winter?

Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. The main shut off valve for your irrigation system needs to be protected against freezing. Make sure it is wrapped with insulation (foam insulation tape and a plastic bag) to protect it from harsh winter temperatures and prevent it from freezing.

What temperature will freeze a sprinkler system?

A sprinkler system will freeze if the temperature falls below 32° F (0° Celsius). Now, most indoor sprinkler systems are inside of buildings or homes where the temperature won't ever drop into the danger zone.

When should you winterize sprinklers?

October 1st thru December 15th (temperature permitting) is the optimal time window to winterize your irrigation system! While the weather plays quite a big role each year in determining when clients want to winterize their system, we strongly recommend winterizing your system during this time frame.

Is it OK to water grass in cold weather?

Watering grass in cold temperatures can greatly improve your lawn's health. As long as temperatures are above 40℉, watering can have the following positive effects on your lawn: Watering during cold temperatures feeds the roots of your grass. Even dormant grass still requires water.

What happens if sprinkler pipes freeze?

Cracked pipes and fittings

If an irrigation system isn't properly winterized, water will be left in the pipes all winter. When temperatures get below freezing, the water will freeze and expand in the pipes, which could cause cracks in the pipe or on the fittings.

Can sprinkler pipes freeze?

At the freezing point of 32 degrees, Fahrenheit water left in your sprinkler system can expand and burst the pipes. Call on Home Inspection Geeks to take a look at your winterizing needs.

How often should I water my lawn in the winter?

Watering once or twice a month is usually enough to keep your lawn moist throughout the winter. Check in on it weekly and look for signs of stress and wilt. See if the grass bounces back after being walked on. Some stress is good for your lawn's root development, but make sure it doesn't get too stressed.

How do I winterize my sprinkler system without a blowout?

Not all systems need to have the water blown out of them. You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone.

How do you keep fire sprinkler pipes from freezing?

To keep the water inside the pipes of a wet fire sprinkler system from freezing in areas where the temperature may drop below 50 degrees, some systems include an antifreeze loop. By adding antifreeze to the water in the fire sprinkler pipes, the freezing point is much lower, reducing the risk of the pipes freezing.

When should I turn on my sprinkler system after winter?

As a general rule, the system should not be opened until the threat of frost is passed. If you are an early planter, we recommend waiting to open your system until after April 15.

How long does it take pipes to freeze at 32 degrees?

Pipes can freeze in as little as six to eight hours, meaning they can freeze overnight. If the outside temperature is below 32 degrees F and your pipes are unprotected, your chances for a frozen pipe increase.

Can you run sprinklers with water off?

Turning on the sprinklers after the main water feed has been shut off will not adequately drain you lines before freeze weather. In rare instances some sprinkler system installations may have been setup with slope on the distribution lines out to the very tail end of each line.

How do I prepare my sprinkler system for winter?

Should I water my grass in January?

Water Less Frequently

Since soil is less prone to evaporation in cooler months, you won't need to water as often. Cold-activated grasses including Superior Fescue require half as much water in January than in July.

How do I take care of my lawn in the winter?

Should you water in the winter?

Once plants go dormant for the year many people believe that they need nothing until spring, but that isn't always the case, especially in years with low or no snow or rain throughout the winter months. Winter watering is essential in dry winter years.

Should I water my outdoor plants in winter?

Despite the fact your plants are dormant and brown, they should still be watered periodically. Plants that remain dehydrated in winter months often don't survive until spring. Not only does this create extra landscaping costs in warmer months, it can actually damage your plumbing.

Should I water my lawn before a freeze?

It is best to water the grass the day before a freeze because the wet soil acts as insulation to the grassroots. Roots are more likely to freeze if the ground is too dry. Stop watering when the ground freezes.