Charlotte Irrigation Winterization is Essential

You may want to invest in a thick coat because this winter is going to be bitterly cold. According to the Farmers' Almanac, Charlotte will have above-average snowfall and colder temperatures this year. With the thermometer expected to drop into the 40's by the end of the month, now is the time to start preparing for Jack Frost.

Depending on your home, preparing it for the winter may include cleaning the chimney, reversing your ceiling fans, insulating windows and covering your pipes. But, if you have an irrigation system, it is important to add Charlotte irrigation winterization to your list of things to do.

"Winterizing your irrigation system is a must this year, especially with the freezing weather our area is expected to have," said John Minor of Irrigation and Lighting Specialist. "Your irrigation system is just like any other feature in your home, it is an investment and needs to be taken care of. Winterizing your irrigation system extends its life and helps you avoid irrigation repairs in the spring."

Irrigation Winterization Basics

When preparing your irrigation system for the winter, it is important that it is done correctly. A properly winterized irrigation system will help you avoid damages and ensures your system is ready to operate come spring. 

The winterization process consists of expelling all of the water from your irrigation system and equipment. This is necessary because water freezing in your irrigation system can create a lot of damages.

Mot substances get smaller as they get cold, but not water. It expands and increases in volume by one-eleventh. For example, 11 cubic feet of water will form about 12 cubic feet of ice. This expansion creates enough force to cause pipes and fittings to burst, valves to crack and sprinkler and pump cases to split open.

Quick Facts About Charlotte Irrigation Winterization  

• Do not trust manual or automatic drain valves. Pressurized air should be used to blow out the system. 
• Know the gallons per minutes that flow through each zone to determine the best sized compressor for your system. 
• It is required to have a back-flow prevention device if your irrigation system is attached to your house's main water line. 
• You should hire the seasoned professionals at Irrigation and Lighting Specialist to handle all of your Charlotte irrigation winterization needs! 

"It's important that you schedule your annual winterization shut-down as soon as possible," said Minor. "We usually begin winterizing systems in mid-November and appointments fill up fast."

To learn more about Charlotte irrigation winterization or to schedule an appointment, call John Minor with Irrigation and Lighting Specialist at 704-747-0235 or 803-831-0506 or email John. We look forward to helping prepare your irrigation system for the harsh winter ahead!