Irrigation System Winterization in North Carolina: Why It Matters

North Carolina isn’t known for blustery winters, but that doesn’t mean your irrigation system is safe from damage. Temperatures here can dip into the 20s or below overnight, making irrigation system winterization a must.

Taking Extra Precautions

One of the most important parts of an irrigation system to protect is the backflow preventer — the device that protects water supplies from contamination or pollution. It’s especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

Many companies simply remove the backflow preventer and store it for the winter, covering pipes with plastic bags. But that leaves your system at risk. Greenscape goes a step further: we blow all the water out of the entire irrigation system.

This method, commonly used in northern states, ensures no water remains in the system to freeze and cause damage.

Why Water Removal Matters

Even the smallest amount of frozen water can crack a backflow preventer, and replacement isn’t cheap. Residential units can cost $300–$400, while commercial replacements often run $500–$1,000.

And the backflow preventer isn’t the only vulnerable part. Exposed spigots, pumps, or wells can also freeze and crack. By removing the water, you remove the potential problems.

Simply removing the backflow preventer isn’t recommended, since pipes can shift over the winter or key parts like O-rings can go missing. Keeping it securely in place while blowing out the water is the safest method.

Blasting the Water Out: Step by Step

Here’s how irrigation winterization is done properly:

• The technician shuts off the water supply.
• An air compressor is connected to the backflow on the inlet side.
• Each irrigation zone is blasted with air until sprinkler heads stop spraying water and only air comes out.
• The process is repeated through all zones.
• Finally, the backflow preventer is blown out to ensure it’s completely dry.

This thorough approach makes sure the entire system is clear of water and safe for winter.

Unpredictable Weather in North Carolina

In northern states, irrigation winterization usually happens by late October. Here in North Carolina, it’s more weather-dependent. Typically, systems are shut down by Christmas, though warm spells sometimes extend the timeline. Spring startups also vary, beginning anywhere from February to April depending on conditions.

The Cost of Winterization

Worried about extra costs? With Greenscape, irrigation winterization is included in your contract. We also guarantee your backflow from freezing, as long as it remains as our technicians left it.

The Risks of Ignoring Winterization

Failing to properly winterize can create expensive problems and even liabilities. Unchecked leaks can waste water and cause flooding, while sprinklers running during a freeze can turn surfaces into dangerous sheets of ice, leading to costly slip-and-fall accidents.

Why Greenscape Takes the Extra Step

At Greenscape, we know irrigation system winterization is more important in North Carolina than many people realize. That’s why we use the most thorough method available, protecting your system from costly damage and liability risks.

Let Greenscape Protect Your Irrigation

We’ve been meeting the full-service landscaping needs of commercial customers in the Raleigh, Durham, Chapel Hill, and Cary areas for more than 35 years.

Our services include landscape maintenance and lawn care, design and build projects, irrigation, landscape lighting, and more.

Call us at 919-552-7742 or fill out our online form to request a free consultation and learn how we can transform your landscape.