Why Lansing Winters Can Be Tough on Irrigation Systems

Let’s address the elephant in the room: Lansing winters can be brutal, and they are especially tough on irrigation systems. With temperatures often dipping well below freezing, your sprinkler system faces significant risks if it’s not properly prepared. When water is left inside pipes or sprinkler heads during a cold snap, it can freeze and expand. This expansion can lead to cracked pipes, damaged valves, and broken sprinkler heads—issues that can turn into costly repairs come spring. At Spartan Irrigation, we can’t stress enough how important it is to winterize your system to avoid damage during harsh weather.

Heavy Snow and Ice Can Take a Toll

While a fresh blanket of snow may look picturesque, the weight of heavy snow and ice can wreak havoc on the above-ground components of your sprinkler system. Sprinkler heads and backflow preventers are particularly vulnerable. Snowplows and shovels can also accidentally damage system components hidden just beneath the surface, leaving you with mechanical headaches that can linger into spring if not addressed early.

Thawing and Refreezing Cycles

Michigan’s infamous freeze-thaw cycles can make things even worse. During the day, rising temperatures might cause snow and ice to melt, sending water into your system. However, once night falls, that water can refreeze, potentially resulting in burst pipes or other internal damage. This repeated freezing and thawing is a major stressor on irrigation systems, especially if they’ve not been fully winterized.

Out of Sight, Out of Mind—But Not Out of Danger

It’s easy to forget about your irrigation system during the cold months since you’re not actively using it. But small, unaddressed issues now can escalate into big problems later. Cracks may go unnoticed, and damaged components may only reveal themselves when you try to fire up the system in spring. That’s why a thorough inspection from a professional team like Spartan Irrigation can save you time, money, and headaches when the snow melts.

Spring into Action with Spartan Irrigation

Lansing winters can be tough on your irrigation system, but you don’t have to face the challenges alone. Whether you need sprinkler repairs, a spring start-up to get your system running smoothly, or a brand-new installation, Spartan Irrigation is here to help. Our experienced team has seen it all when it comes to Michigan winters. Call us at (517) 882-1826 today and ensure your irrigation system is ready to take on spring.