Repairing Sprinklers from Cold Weather Damage

Freezing temperatures and harsh stormy winter weather can damage your sprinklers and drip irrigation system if the system was not winterized properly before winter. Freezing water in pipes is the most common reason for sprinkler damage. When the water freezes, it can cause pipes to crack. These problems should be fixed before the growing season begins so you can have a properly running irrigation system to water your plants. You can fix some irrigation problems yourself, while some may require hiring a professional. Therefore, it is crucial to winterize your sprinkler system before freezing weather strikes and take other preventative measures to protect your system and prevent such issues.

Here, we look at the most common sprinkler problems that you may encounter after a harsh winter and discover how to repair the damage.

Irrigation System Damage Due to Cold Weather

After a long winter, the freeze can reach deeper into the ground, affecting your irrigation system. Whether it is spring or winter, your sprinkler system needs proper care. Homeowners should continue to inspect and maintain their systems when the season changes. This will help you avoid the following problems that could arise due to extreme weather conditions and cause problems for your property. Here are these common sprinkler problems and ways to repair them.

Blocked Sprinkler Heads

Due to heavy rainfall, sprinklers can become blocked or clogged. Clogging prevents them from functioning properly and causes a drop in water flow. Blocked sprinkler heads can also cause water to build up in pipes, which can freeze and crack.

How to Repair

To unclog the sprinkler, turn off the water supply. Unscrew the top of the head and remove the filter. Now, remove any dirt and debris from the filter and rinse it. After cleaning, install the top again, switch on the water supply, and test the system to see if everything is working well.

Broken Sprinkler Heads

It's not uncommon for sprinklers to become damaged and broken after years of use and wear and tear. Damaged sprinklers can cause flooding in some areas due to obstructed water flow. During the winters, harsh weather conditions and plant debris can cause wear and tear, which increases the chance of sprinklers breaking. If you notice flooding and damp patches in your yard or some sprinklers in your landscape are not rising, turn off the system and inspect all sprinklers for cracks.

How to Repair

Inspect the heads for damage due to ice expansion or shearing from mowing or snow removal. Remove the head and clean it to check that it'll rise correctly. If not, you will need to replace the sprinkler head. You can DIY a damaged sprinkler head or contact a professional to fix it.

Damaged Valves and Manifold

Valves can break due to weather, quality, overuse, and time. Freezing temperatures can be harsh on valves because they're usually installed in exposed locations vulnerable to freezing. If your sprinkler valves get damaged, your system will not deliver the right amount of water to your lawn, which will lead to serious problems. Therefore, check the valves and manifolds in their underground box for cracks or leaks after winter.

Cracked Pipes

Cracked and leaky pipes are never fun, no matter the season. They are a major problem for sprinkler systems. Pipes can crack in winter because the water inside them freezes and expands. The expanding ice creates pressure inside pipes and puts stress on them until they break. This causes water leaks and a significant drop in water pressure in some parts of the system.

If you have cracked or leaky pipes, you will end up with water puddles that turn into ice in various areas of your home. If left unchecked, this can damage your home foundation, which is costly to rebuild. In addition, leaky pipes can be a safety risk if not repaired properly.

How to Repair

To repair broken pipes, shut off the water supply, track the buried pipelines, and look for wet, soggy patches. Those are signs of cracked pipes. One temporary solution to fix this problem is to tape over the cracks. The other solution is to replace the damaged part of the pipe. A PVC pipe cutter is used to remove the damaged part. Use a compression coupling or repair coupling to replace the part and complete the repair.

Drop in Water Pressure

If your sprinkler system is experiencing low or no water pressure, it could be due to multiple reasons. First, inspect your system to ensure the water runs smoothly and the controller works. If both are working perfectly, your system likely has a leak.

To identify leaks, run the system and look for wet spots in your yard. If your pressure is a little low, it could be only due to a leak. If it is very low, it could be due to a broken pipe.

How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System

If you did not winterize your system before extreme winters, your irrigation system likely sustained damage in cold weather. Here are the steps to winterize your irrigation system and protect it from extreme weather conditions.

• First, shut off the water supply to your irrigation system. You can turn it off at the main shut-off valve. The valve is usually located close to the water meter. If your system has backflow preventers, switch them off too.
• Switch off the irrigation controller or timer to save energy costs during winter months.
• Drain off the water from your pipes. Open drain valves to remove water from your system. This will prevent water from freezing inside pipes and sprinklers and damage them. Make sure to remove all the water from your system to prevent freezing.
• Take an extra step and protect all exposed components using foam insulation. Insulation is also a crucial aspect of sprinkler system winterization and care.

Resolve Winter Damage Immediately for a Successful Spring

Although sprinklers are made to handle any weather, harsh winter conditions can damage spray heads and pipes. Therefore, you should resolve these problems as soon as possible because delaying repairs until warm spring will make the damage worse and lead to significant expenses.

If you do all repairs in winter, your sprinkler will run efficiently at the first sign of spring. Early spring is an opportunity to start reviving your lawn and garden. If you delay watering your yard until the weather gets warmer and you are still getting sprinklers fixed, you might mess up your irrigation system and landscaping.

Repair Your Sprinklers with DripWorks

A sprinkler system consists of pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. When one component malfunctions, it can damage the entire thing. Therefore, it is best to winterize your system, take the proper steps to protect it from damage , and fix problems soon after winter.

DripWorks is here to help you with all your sprinkler repair needs. Visit our online store for high-quality irrigation systems and supplies and information on keeping your irrigation systems working properly.