The first real cold snap in Michigan has a way of sneaking up on you and your sprinkler system. One hard freeze, and those buried lines and delicate components can take a serious hit. At Spartan Irrigation, we want to help you get ahead of the weather so your system is ready for winter, not ruined by it. Here are five ways to protect your sprinkler system from fall freezes.
1. Know When Fall Freezes Really Start
On the calendar, fall might mean pumpkins and football. For your irrigation system, it means nighttime temperatures are dipping close to freezing. Once you see consistent temperatures near 32°F, it’s time to shut things down. Waiting “just one more week” can be all it takes for water in your lines to freeze, expand, and crack pipes or fittings.
2. Shut Off the Water Supply
Step one is simple but crucial: turn off the water feeding your sprinkler system. This prevents any new water from entering the lines and sitting there waiting to freeze. Your main shut-off valve is often in the basement, crawl space, or utility area—ideally somewhere protected from the cold.
3. Drain or Blow Out the Lines
Even with the water turned off, there’s still water trapped in your irrigation lines. That’s where professional blow-outs come in. Using compressed air, our technicians clear water from pipes, heads, and valves, leaving nothing inside to freeze. We highly recommend scheduling a winterization and blow-out service every year to help avoid expensive spring repairs.
4. Protect Backflow Devices and Exposed Parts
Backflow preventers and above-ground piping are especially vulnerable. Insulating covers or foam wraps can help add a layer of protection against fluctuating temperatures. Just be sure you’re not trapping moisture where it could cause rust or damage—proper installation matters here.
5. Put Your Controller in “Off-Season” Mode
Don’t forget the brains of the operation. Set your controller to “off” or “rain/off” mode so it doesn’t run scheduled cycles all winter. This simple step helps protect components and saves you from worrying about unnecessary wear and tear.
Avoid the Spring Surprise
Taking a little time in the fall can save you a lot of money and frustration in the spring. Spartan Irrigation offers expert sprinkler installations, dependable repairs, and holiday lighting to residents in Lansing, MI, and the surrounding areas, keeping your property looking great year-round. Protect your investment before the freeze hits—contact us today at (517) 882-1826.