Sprinkler Winterizing - When Should I do it?

Now is the time to start thinking about winterizing your sprinklers.  In Michigan, historically speaking, winterizing should be complete by November 10th based on temperatures.  At this point in the season, unless you have new sod installed, there is no reason to even keep your sprinklers running.  The temperatures coupled with the frequent rains we have, seem to keep everything moist and free from drying out.

As long as you get the sprinklers winterized by the time night time temperatures drop below freezing, you will be good to go.

What happens when you don't winterize on time? The backflow preventor (the device on the outside of the house), is engineered to blow the top off of it if the water freezes.  That is the most common problem with not winterizing on time.  TURN THE WATER OFF IN THE HOUSE TO THE SPRINKLERS.  The valve usually looks something like the picture below (this valve is still open and must be closed).  Sometimes you will see this valve in the ceiling. Once the water is off, at least the pressure to the outside will be cut off.  If you have questions, call us at 586-323-0200 or email service@greengiantlawn.com after hours.