Will My Lawn and Landscape Irrigation System Freeze During Winter?
Yes, both drip irrigation and landscape sprinkler systems are at risk of freezing during the winter in Upstate New York.
In Monroe County and the Finger Lakes Region, frost can penetrate up to four feet below ground during winter. This risk is even higher in winters without consistent snow cover to act as insulation. Freezing temperatures can damage lines, valves, fittings, and sprinkler heads if systems are not properly winterized.
How Do Freezing Temperatures Damage Irrigation Systems?
Each sprinkler zone operates as a closed system. Small systems may have 2–4 zones, while larger ones may have 40 or more.
If water remains trapped in a closed zone—or in a poorly installed or damaged gravity-drained system—it will freeze and expand. This expansion creates pressure on water lines, valves, pipes, fittings, and sprinkler heads that they were not designed to sustain, leading to cracks, rupturesand costly repairs.
When Do Freezing Temperatures Begin to Affect Irrigation Systems?
Unless November experiences prolonged freezing temperatures (below 32°F), frost typically does not penetrate deeply enough (6–12 inches) to freeze irrigation systems until mid-December. As winter progresses, frost penetration can reach depths of one to four feet, depending on the severity of the season.
Why Even Gravity-Drained Systems Can Freeze
Over time, freeze-thaw cycles cause the ground to heave and settle, potentially creating low spots in drip and irrigation supply lines. These low spots trap water that can freeze, causing damage even though the system was designed to be gravity-drained.
How Can I Prevent My Irrigation System from Freezing?
The only reliable way to protect your irrigation system from freezing is to have it professionally winterized each fall. During this process, an irrigation technician will:
- Shut off the system.
- Use a high-powered compressor (50 GPM or larger) to blow all water out of the lines and sprinkler heads.
This ensures the system remains intact and ready to operate in the spring.
To learn more about the winterization process click here, or to schedule a service, contact Irrigation Tech at 585-225-0380 or email info@irrigationtech.com.