Once a chill is in the air and pumpkins perch on your porch, it’s easy to forget about your property’s summertime needs, including your irrigation system.
But your sprinklers need some critical attention before freezing temperatures set in.
We know — it’s tempting to set that aside and deal with it in the spring. That’ll save you a few bucks, right?
Actually, ignoring winterization could cost you a bundle.
How much does it cost to winterize an irrigation system? And how much could it cost you if you ignore it?
We’re glad you asked.
Why Freezing Matters
Freezing temperatures can quickly destroy an irrigation system that wasn’t properly winterized.
It’s crucial to remove all the water out of the pipes, valves and sprinkler heads. If pooling water freezes and expands, your pipes break. And that will cost you a much heftier fee than springing for winterization in the first place.
Think You Can Do It Yourself? OK, But…
No, this isn’t a task you can easily do yourself. Professionals have the right equipment and skills to remove all the water from your irrigation system.
Even if you think you’ve drained out all the water, some water remains and can freeze, expand, and crack the pipes. Freezing water in the backflow assembly will damage the internal components.
It’s a good idea to have a professional inspect your irrigation system one last time before winter, anyway. If it needs any minor repairs, they can take care of it now. Then your system will be ready to roll once spring arrives.
“But I Have A Self-Draining System.”
Nice try, but there’s no such thing. Despite those “self-draining” claims, water still sits in low areas, freezes, and cracks pipes.
If you have shrub beds with tall pop-up heads, water pools in the bottom of those, freezes, and cracks.
If that happens around your foundation, you’re facing a flooded basement. We’ll let you put the price on that.
So, How Much Does it Cost to Winterize an Irrigation System?
Here at Outback Landscape, residential pricing runs $75, which includes up to 8 zones. Each additional zone costs $5 more per zone.
If you’re thinking, “Hey, that seems a small price to pay for such an important task,” you’re right.
And here’s why.
The Cost Of Winter Damage
There are lots of things that can go wrong with your irrigation system if you don’t have it winterized.
Let’s take a look at the potential problems — and the costs.
— A cracked or frozen valve. Cost: $125 each.
— A broken manifold. Cost to rebuild: $125 to $200, depending on access and the time the repair takes. If an entire manifold sat in a low spot where water pooled and all three or four valves broke, that’s $125 multiplied by three or four. That’s some sad math.
— A broken backflow device. Cost to replace a 1-inch backflow, including necessary testing: $175 to $350, depending on the location of the crack.
So, a frozen backflow and one busted valve can cost you $400 or more in one season.
If You Get Lucky, Maybe You Actually Didn’t
Even if you get lucky and make it through the winter with no breakage, we often see valves and other irrigation system components fail prematurely if they’re not winterized, or not winterized properly. Then, just when you think your irrigation system is ready for a busy season of watering, it isn’t.
So, how much does it cost to winterize an irrigation system?
You should really just pay the 75 bucks.
Cheaper Isn’t Better
If you see a sign tacked on a telephone pole that advertises sprinkler winterization for 20 bucks cheaper, resist temptation.
Where will this guy who works on sprinklers part time be this spring, when your system springs a leak or a component fails?
Does he guarantee his work? Will you even be able to find him?
You want the same dependable crews who service your system year round and who know it, top to bottom, to close it down safely and expertly for the season.
Let Outback Landscape Tuck Your System In For The Winter
At Outback Landscape, we’re on top of all the last-minute tasks your property needs before winter sets in. That's what we do.
In addition to expert irrigation service, we offer landscape design, construction, maintenance and lighting services to enhance your property.
We serve residential and commercial properties in Idaho Falls, Rexburg and Pocatello, Idaho, as well as Bonneville, Madison and Bannock counties.
Call us at 208-656-3220. Or fill out the contact form to schedule a no-obligation meeting with one of our team members.
We’d love to hear from you!
