Even the most basic irrigation system isn’t cheap. And while it’s tempting to “set it and forget it,” regular maintenance — especially winterization — is a must.
Generally speaking, winterizing your irrigation system means flushing out any remaining water. Many homeowners don’t realize that water left inside pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads expands when it freezes. So, when you turn on your systems in spring, you’ll likely have cracks and leaks or maybe even a major blowout.
In this article, we’ll cover who needs to winterize and what happens when you skip fall irrigation maintenance, which can be time-consuming and expensive.
Who Needs to Winterize Their Irrigation System?
If you live in an area where temperatures dip below freezing, winterizing is not optional — it’s essential, especially for anyone on the short list below.
- Homeowners who have invested in landscaping want to protect their property value.
- Busy professionals who don’t have time for emergency spring repairs.
- Property managers responsible for multiple sprinkler systems across residential or commercial sites.
- New homeowners unfamiliar with irrigation system maintenance requirements.
- Anyone who wants peace of mind that their lawn and garden will bounce back healthy in spring.
By identifying whether you fall into one of these categories, you can make a smarter decision about protecting your irrigation system before winter. Even if you don’t use your sprinklers daily, failing to winterize can lead to damage you won’t discover until the first warm days of spring — when you try to turn the system back on.
Hidden Costs of Skipping Irrigation System Winterization
Plenty of homeowners put off winterizing their irrigation. They might be betting on a mild winter, and they could get lucky — once. But the truth is, winterizing is quick and easy, saving you time and money down the road from the following problems.
Frozen Pipes Can Crack and Burst
One of the most common results of not winterizing is frozen pipes. Even small amounts of residual water can expand when frozen, putting enormous pressure on PVC or copper lines. What starts as a hairline crack in the fall can turn into a significant rupture in the spring, requiring expensive digging and replacement. If you’ve ever had a burst indoor pipe in winter, you already know how damaging water expansion can be — your outdoor irrigation lines are no different.
Irrigation Backflow Preventer Damage from Freezing
The backflow preventer is one of the most expensive components of your irrigation system. It is designed to keep contaminants out of your drinking water. Because it sits above ground, it’s particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. The device can split or break entirely if water remains inside and freezes. Replacing a backflow preventer can cost hundreds of dollars, making neglecting winterization one of the priciest mistakes.
Sprinkler Heads Break or Pop Off
Sprinkler heads are small but critical. When trapped water freezes inside them, the plastic or metal can split. In some cases, the pressure from ice forces the heads to pop right out of the ground. Come spring, you’ll notice uneven watering, dead patches of grass, and the expense of buying and installing new heads. What looks like a minor part failure can lead to a lawn that suffers all season long.
Costly Spring Repairs and Delays
Springtime is when you’ll see the damage caused by letting your irrigation freeze over the winter months. Instead of a smooth Spring reboot, you’ll likely face cracks and leaks. Once you see cracks and leaks, you’ll need to have them professionally repaired because they will likely fail over time. Going the repair route will mean service calls, replacement parts, and labor costs. The money you thought you saved by skipping winterization can quickly multiply into repair costs. In short, you’re better off paying for the original winterization service fee.
Risk of Landscape Damage
Perhaps the most overlooked consequence is the effect on your landscape itself. If your irrigation system is down in the spring because of damage, your lawn, shrubs, and garden beds may go weeks without consistent watering. Sometimes, you could lose valuable trees or plants that took years to grow. The cost of replanting and restoring your yard can rival or exceed the expense of system repairs, doubling the impact of neglecting winterization.
These five problems create a ripple effect: damaged equipment, delayed watering, and weakened landscapes that take months to recover.
What to Expect from a Professional Irrigation Winterization Service
Most irrigation systems in Denver and other cold-weather regions require a proper blowout method to remove remaining water from the pipes before freezing temperatures arrive. Simply shutting off the water supply isn’t enough — even a small amount of water left in the lines, valves, or sprinkler heads can freeze, expand, and cause cracks.
The blowout method uses an air compressor connected to the system. A professional will carefully regulate the air pressure with a pressure regulator, then open each zone one at a time to push out trapped water. The compressor must be set correctly — too much pressure can damage fittings, while too little may leave water behind.
Some smaller systems use a manual drain valve instead of compressed air. In this method, the system is drained by gravity, but it’s not always as effective in protecting all zones. Many homeowners also insulate above-ground components, such as the backflow preventer and exposed pipes, with insulation tape to protect against freezing weather.
Professional Irrigation Winterizing Services in Denver
Putting off irrigation system winterization in climates like Denver— where summers are hot and winters drop below freezing — can lead to serious problems. When springtime comes, you could face costly repairs or even the need to replace your entire system — when simply winterizing would have saved you time, hassle, and expense.
C&H Landscaping provides expert irrigation maintenance and winterization services designed for Colorado’s unique climate. Our professional team knows how to protect your system through the cold months so it’s ready to perform in spring. We don’t just blow out the lines — we carefully inspect your entire irrigation system.
If you’ve never scheduled irrigation winterization before, now is the time. Don’t wait until spring to discover costly damage. Have questions? Contact us online for a free consultation or call (303) 988-1873. Let’s protect your system and save time and money in the spring.
At C&H Landscaping, our mission is to transform everyday outdoor spaces into something extraordinary with creative designs and top-notch craftsmanship. Expert Denver landscaping services from custom design to professional installation. We offer tailored solutions that enhance curb appeal, increase property value, and bring your vision to life.
