A home irrigation system is a great way to keep your natural grass, flowers, native plants, shrubs, and fruit trees looking their best. With proper winter prep, it should stay going strong all spring and summer when the weather warms up.
We may be in the desert, but it still gets cold in the Prescott area. Nighttime temperatures regularly fall to or below freezing, bringing frost and occasional snow, especially on north-facing trails. In fact, some Northern Arizona cities get up to 10 inches of snow each year.
If you have a natural lawn, freezes (and refreezes) can do worse damage to your irrigation pipes and components each time the temperature drops. A little preparation can save you a lot of headaches (and money, too). Here’s what to do (and look for) during home irrigation maintenance.
Winter Maintenance Checklist
Protect your system this winter with these essential steps:
- Shut Off The Water: Locate the main water valve for your irrigation system and shut it off completely. This prevents water from entering your system, which could freeze and cause damage if you live far enough north. Shut off the backflow preventer, too. That’s a critical component, and you don’t want it to freeze.
- Drain All Pipes: Start with the highest-elevation zone and work your way down to ensure thorough drainage, using an air compressor to blow out any remaining water.
- Insulate Pipes and Components: Protect exposed pipes, backflow preventers, and other components with foam covers, heat tape, or insulation sleeves. Focus on outdoor pipes and any pipes or components near unheated spaces.
- Inspect and Repair As Needed: Examine all sprinkler heads, valves, and pipes. Look for wear, cracks, or leaks. Replace or repair damaged components right away to prevent their condition from worsening.
- Protect Your Controller and Timer: Outdoor controllers are susceptible to freezing and moisture damage. If possible, cover them with a waterproof enclosure or store them indoors.
- Store Any Removable Parts: Remove all sprinkler heads, hoses, and other detachable components and store them in a warm, dry place.
Why Winter Checks Matter
Checking irrigation systems in winter helps you spot damage early, rather than during a peak usage season. This gives you time to repair and update your irrigation system without having to worry about your plants and trees. Winter system checks ensure it’s ready for spring, when your plants will need it most for optimal growth.
Your Partner for Winter Landscape Care
Don’t let the prospect of DIY irrigation maintenance bog you down. Get it done in one call to ZebraScapes. We’re the one-stop shop for winter landscape care in Prescott, Sedona, and Northern Arizona.
We can make sure your irrigation system is properly shut off, drained, and covered before winter temps dip their lowest. We’ll handle any necessary repairs right away and make sure you’re set up for success in spring and summer.
You can also trust us for safe, expert tree care and snow removal: there’s no need to put yourself or your property at risk. Keep your peace of mind this winter. Contact ZebraScapes today to get winter irrigation maintenance done.