Things to know about winterizing sprinkler systems

IDAHO FALLS, Idaho (KIFI) - As temperatures decrease, the City of Idaho Falls reminds homeowners of the importance of blowing out sprinklers before temperatures cause the system to freeze.

"It's important to get it blown out before you get any kind of freezing going on because that will freeze the water and your pipes and expands in your pipes and it will break," Pinecrest Golf Club Superintendent Mark Spraktes said.

While it's important to protect waterlines on your own property, smaller waterlines such as those running from the street are more prone to freezing.

“Waterlines in Idaho Falls are generally buried between 5 to 6 feet deep, keeping them below the winter frost line, however as temperatures drop below freezing, frost penetrates into the ground,” Idaho Falls Water Superintendent Dave Richards said. “During extended periods of extreme cold, frost can penetrate more than 7 feet deep, causing serious problems for underground utilities, especially waterlines."

While temperatures are still unknown in October, Spraktes said blowing out the sprinkler system sooner rather than later is preferable.

"The best time is after your, after your turf has gone dormant and you don't have to mow anymore," Spraktes said. "You know, when you're starting to lose color and everything so you don't have to water, so you might as well get it done then."

While many systems have self drains that help with not having to blow the system out, getting the moisture out of the systems that don't drain is important before it is too late.

If any water systems or sprinkler systems end up getting frozen, you can contact Idaho Falls Water Division at (208) 612-8471.