Sprinklers October 15, 2024

When to Winterize Your Sprinkler System in Denver

Protect your irrigation investment from Colorado's harsh winter weather

As Colorado's temperatures drop and winter approaches, one of the most important maintenance tasks for Denver homeowners is winterizing their sprinkler systems. Failing to properly prepare your irrigation system for freezing temperatures can result in costly repairs come spring.

Why Winterization Is Critical in Denver

Denver's climate presents unique challenges for irrigation systems. Our temperatures can drop below freezing unexpectedly, even in early fall. When water freezes inside your sprinkler pipes, valves, and backflow preventers, it expands and can cause:

Cracked pipes and fittings
Damaged valves and backflow assemblies
Broken sprinkler heads
Controller malfunctions

These repairs can easily cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars, making the relatively small investment in professional winterization well worth it.

The Best Time to Winterize in Denver

For most Denver-area properties, the ideal window for sprinkler winterization is mid-October through early November. This timing balances several important factors:

Before the first hard freeze: Denver typically experiences its first hard freeze in late October or early November.
After your lawn stops growing: Your grass won't need regular watering once nighttime temperatures consistently drop below 40°F.
Scheduling availability: Irrigation companies get extremely busy as winter approaches, so booking early ensures you get on the schedule.

Warning Signs You've Waited Too Long

If you notice any of these signs, your system may have already sustained freeze damage:

Water pooling in unexpected areas
Visible cracks in above-ground components
Reduced water pressure in spring
Zones that won't turn on properly

The Professional Winterization Process

Professional sprinkler winterization involves using compressed air to blow all water out of your system's pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. This process, called a "blowout," requires specialized equipment and expertise to do properly without damaging your system.

At NationScapes, our certified technicians:

Shut off the water supply to your irrigation system
Set your controller to the correct winterization mode
Connect professional-grade air compressors to your system
Systematically blow out each zone to remove all water
Inspect for any existing damage or potential issues
Provide recommendations for any needed repairs

DIY vs. Professional Winterization

While some homeowners attempt to winterize their own systems, this approach carries significant risks. Using too much air pressure can damage pipes and fittings, while insufficient pressure leaves water in the system. Professional equipment and expertise ensure the job is done right the first time.

The cost of professional winterization is typically $75-$150, depending on your system's size and complexity. Compare this to repair costs that can easily exceed $500-$2,000 for freeze damage, and the choice becomes clear.

Don't Wait Until It's Too Late

Denver's weather can be unpredictable. An unexpected cold snap in October could freeze your sprinkler system before you have a chance to winterize it. Our recommendation: schedule your winterization as soon as nighttime temperatures consistently drop into the 40s.