Now that the depths of a Canadian winter are setting in, we’re seeing the kind of deep cold that leads to serious ground frost. While we’ve talked about protecting the pipes inside your home, it’s easy to forget about the plumbing that runs underground—especially sprinkler and irrigation systems.
Failing to properly protect all your pipes, both above and below ground, can lead to costly and damaging emergencies. As the old saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, and that’s especially true when it comes to frozen pipes. Here’s how you can protect your below-ground systems from the winter cold.
1. Inspect for Cracks or Leaks Before Shutting Down
Before you shut your sprinkler or irrigation system down for the season, run it one last time and take a walk around your property. Keep an eye out for any unusual pooling or soggy patches in your lawn. This could be a sign of a small, existing leak in an underground pipe. It’s much easier and cheaper to get this fixed in the fall than to discover a huge, icy mess in the spring.
2. Insulate All Above-Ground Components
Even an underground system has parts that are exposed to the cold air, like backflow preventers, valves, and spigots. Make sure all of these above-ground components are well-insulated. You can use foam pipe covers or insulating tape from a hardware store to protect them from freezing.
3. Drain the Entire System Before the First Hard Frost
This is the most critical step. Any water left in your underground pipes will freeze, expand, and crack them. Draining the system is fairly straightforward:
- Shut off the main water supply to the sprinkler system. The shut-off valve is usually located in your basement or a utility box in the yard.
- Turn your system on (either manually or by running a cycle on the controller). This will flush out most of the water remaining in the lines.
- Consider a blowout. For best results, many systems require a “blowout” with an air compressor to force every last drop of water out. This is something many homeowners hire a professional to do to ensure it’s done safely and completely.
When in Doubt, Give the Experts a Shout
Taking these steps will go a long way in preventing damage to your underground plumbing. Of course, plumbing emergencies can still happen. If you find yourself in need of professional assistance or just want the peace of mind that your home is fully protected for the winter, we’re always here to help.
Feel free to contact our plumbers in Toronto anytime for a plumbing inspection or emergency repairs.
