We just installed a new lawn irrigation system for a residential client in Carmel last week. Guess what came up? Winter. Yep, that time of year in Indianapolis when your sprinkler system can turn into an ice block if it’s not prepped correctly. I’ve seen what freezing water can do to pipes, heads, and valves. It’s not pretty… or cheap.
This is something I’ve dealt with over and over as part of our irrigation services at Warweg & Co., Inc. Our irrigation services include installation, maintenance, and winterization for both residential and commercial systems across central Indiana.
We’re a family-owned and operated irrigation company with more than 30 years of experience, and cold-weather damage is one of the most common calls our service technicians get in early spring.
If water is left in your system, freezing can break things fast. Let’s talk about why that happens and what parts are most at risk.
Why Freezing Temperatures Are a Real Threat
When the cold hits, water trapped in your sprinkler system can freeze and expand. This puts pressure on everything underground and above ground.
Underground pipes can crack without you seeing it. Sprinkler heads can split open. Valves and backflow preventers can burst.
The worst part? You won’t notice most of the damage until spring, when the lawn starts flooding in all the wrong places.
What Happens Inside the Pipes and Heads
Pipes Crack When Water Expands
Expanded water presses against the inside of the pipes, and since it has nowhere to go, the pipe gives in. That’s why we always clear the water during winterization.
Sprinkler Heads Are Easy Targets
Frozen water inside sprinkler heads can break them apart. Even a small crack can lead to water spraying everywhere once the system is turned on.
Valves and Backflow Units Can Burst
These sit above or close to the ground, where the cold hits harder. Frozen valves and backflow preventers are common repair jobs in March and April.
How to Tell If Your System Froze Over
In spring, a lot of people find out their irrigation system froze the hard way.
Soft, soggy spots can show where underground pipes have cracked.
Low water pressure might mean a broken valve.
Sprinkler heads spraying sideways can point to splits.
Leaking around the backflow usually means a freeze got inside.
Why We Winterize Every System We Install
Every fall, our crew goes out across Indianapolis, Fishers, Carmel, Noblesville, Avon, and other surrounding areas to protect systems before the freeze.
- We clear the pipes with the right air pressure to keep them safe.
- We drain backflow units so they don’t split during a cold snap.
- We check valves and lines for weak spots before shutting them down.
- We make sure the controller is properly turned off.
This isn’t just turning a switch. It’s about keeping your home and yard dry and your system working when spring rolls around.
When Should You Winterize Your Sprinkler System?
Late October through early November is usually best in central Indiana. If you wait too long, the ground freezes and traps water inside your lawn irrigation pipes.
Even if your system was just installed, it still needs winterization. New pipes can crack just like old ones if water’s left inside.
Before the first hard freeze.
The best time for winterization is late October to early November in the Indianapolis area. This keeps water out of your irrigation system, lowering the chance of frozen pipes and damage.
When temperatures start dropping at night.
As soon as you see frost warnings, it’s smart to call your sprinkler system contractor in Indianapolis. Our service technicians help protect lawns in Carmel, Fishers, Noblesville, and Avon from costly spring repairs.
After your last watering of the season.
Once the grass doesn’t need regular watering, it’s time to shut things down. Irrigation services like ours make sure pipes, valves, and backflow units are cleared before winter locks in.
Before installing outdoor lighting upgrades.
Many clients plan outdoor lighting installation and landscape lighting checks at the same time as winterization. Doing both together saves time and keeps your home and yard ready for winter.
When planning for proper lawn care.
If your irrigation company is family-owned and operated like ours at Warweg & Co., Inc., scheduling early makes sure your lawn irrigation is safe before the rush. That means your residential or commercial irrigation system is protected all winter long across central Indiana subdivisions.
I remember working with Warweg & Co., Inc. on a chilly morning when the first frost warnings hit. My lawn irrigation system was still running because I thought one or two more waterings wouldn’t hurt. Big mistake.
A few days later, I noticed soggy patches near the back fence, and sure enough, a cracked pipe had formed under the lawn. The ground had frozen faster than I expected, trapping water inside and putting pressure on the lines.
Warweg & Co., Inc. came out right away. Their service technicians inspected the sprinkler system, drained what was left in the pipes, and winterized the entire system properly. They also checked my backflow and made sure my outdoor lighting wiring was safe from the cold.
Thanks to their fast work, what could’ve turned into a major repair ended up being a quick fix. Now I make sure to schedule winterization every year before the first freeze. Trust me, it’s worth it to avoid a muddy mess and a big bill.
— Michael, Oak Hill Drive (KY)
What Else Freezes That You Might Not Think About
Backflow preventers are the first to freeze because they’re exposed.
Control valves are next, especially if they’re above the frost line.
Sprinkler heads hold water right at the surface.
Drip zones and small lines can freeze solid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Lawn Winterization Guide
Will my sprinkler system freeze if I just turn it off?
No. Simply turning it off won’t remove water. It can still freeze and cause damage.
Does winterization stop freezing damage completely?
Yes. When done right, winterization clears the water and protects pipes and valves.
Do new irrigation systems need winterization, too?
Yes. It doesn’t matter how new it is—water can freeze in any system.
Conclusion
Freezing weather in Indianapolis can turn a good sprinkler system into a spring repair bill if it’s not protected. That’s why winterization is a smart move for your lawn irrigation system. At Warweg & Co., Inc., our licensed service technicians have been helping keep residential and commercial irrigation systems safe across the Indianapolis area for more than 30 years.
Call us at (317) 885-8983 to schedule your winterization service. Let’s keep your sprinkler system safe, your lawn care on track, and your spring stress-free.