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When February hits and temperatures drop below freezing, you won’t be dealing with burst irrigation lines or flooded yards. Your system will be properly winterized, completely drained, and ready to fire up perfectly when spring arrives.
You won’t face those expensive emergency calls in March when neighbors discover their systems failed over winter. No digging up frozen ground to replace damaged pipes. No delays getting your lawn care started because your irrigation system needs major repairs.
Instead, you’ll have the confidence that comes from professional winterization done right the first time. Your investment in irrigation stays protected, and your spring startup happens on schedule without complications.
Rolling Hills Property Services has been protecting irrigation systems across Suffolk County for years. We understand exactly how Long Island’s unpredictable winters can damage unprotected sprinkler systems.
Based right here in Smithtown, we’ve seen what happens when irrigation systems aren’t properly winterized. We’ve also seen the relief on homeowners’ faces when their systems start up perfectly after a professional winterization job.
Fully licensed and insured, we bring the right equipment and expertise to every job. We’re not just another lawn care company offering winterization as a side service – we’re property maintenance specialists who understand the critical importance of proper system protection.
First, we shut off your water supply and drain the main lines manually. This removes the bulk of water that could freeze and cause immediate damage to your primary system components.
Next comes the professional blowout using commercial-grade compressors. We systematically blow compressed air through each zone of your irrigation system, forcing out every drop of water from pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. This step requires proper pressure settings and technique to avoid damaging sensitive components.
Finally, we inspect all visible system components for existing damage or wear that could cause problems next season. You’ll know exactly what condition your system is in and whether any repairs should be scheduled for spring startup. The entire process typically takes 45 minutes to an hour depending on your system size.
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Your winterization service includes professional blowout of all irrigation zones, manual drainage of main supply lines, and a complete system inspection. We bring commercial-grade compressors specifically designed for irrigation system winterization – not the small units that can damage your system.
Long Island’s climate presents unique challenges for irrigation systems. The combination of coastal moisture, temperature swings, and occasional early freezes means your system needs thorough protection. We understand these local conditions and adjust our winterization process accordingly.
You’ll receive clear communication about your system’s condition and any recommendations for spring maintenance. If we discover issues during winterization, you’ll know exactly what needs attention before next season starts. This proactive approach prevents those frustrating spring surprises that can delay your lawn care schedule.
Schedule your winterization after your final watering for the season but before the first hard freeze. In Islip, this typically means late October through mid-November, depending on weather patterns.
Don’t wait until temperatures consistently drop below freezing. Once water starts freezing in your lines, damage can happen quickly. The ideal time is when nighttime temperatures start hitting the upper 30s regularly.
Weather can be unpredictable on Long Island, so booking early gives you flexibility to reschedule if needed. Most professional services get booked up quickly once temperatures start dropping, so planning ahead ensures you get winterization completed on time.
Water expands when it freezes, creating enough pressure to crack pipes, damage valves, and destroy sprinkler heads. Even small amounts of trapped water can cause significant damage when temperatures drop below freezing.
The most common damage occurs in backflow preventers, which are expensive to replace and often require permits. Underground pipes can also crack, leading to costly excavation and repair work when you discover the damage in spring.
Beyond immediate freeze damage, improper winterization can cause valve problems, clogged sprinkler heads, and system pressure issues that won’t become apparent until you try to start up next season. Professional winterization prevents all these problems with proper drainage and inspection.
While basic drainage is possible for homeowners, complete winterization requires commercial-grade equipment and proper technique. Most home air compressors don’t provide sufficient volume or pressure for thorough system blowouts.
Using inadequate equipment often leaves water trapped in low points of your system, which defeats the purpose of winterization. Worse, using too much pressure or incorrect technique can damage valves, pipes, and sprinkler heads.
Professional winterization includes system inspection and proper pressure management that prevents damage while ensuring complete water removal. The cost of professional service is minimal compared to potential repair costs from improper DIY winterization or freeze damage.
Professional winterization costs vary based on system size and complexity, but typically range from $75 to $150 for most residential systems in the Islip area. This investment protects irrigation systems worth thousands of dollars.
The cost includes professional blowout equipment, system inspection, and expertise that ensures the job is done correctly. When you consider that replacing a damaged backflow preventer alone can cost $300-500, professional winterization provides excellent value.
Many companies offer package deals if you bundle winterization with other fall services like leaf cleanup or lawn winterization. Getting quotes early in the season often provides better pricing than waiting until the last minute when demand peaks.
Complete winterization includes shutting off water supply, draining main lines, and systematically blowing out each irrigation zone with commercial compressors. Professional service also includes inspection of visible system components for damage or wear.
The blowout process uses proper pressure settings and techniques to remove water without damaging sensitive components like valves and sprinkler heads. This requires experience and equipment that most homeowners don’t have access to.
You’ll also receive recommendations for any repairs or maintenance needed before spring startup. This proactive approach prevents surprises when you want to start watering next season and ensures your system operates efficiently from day one.
Don’t turn your system back on until all danger of hard freezes has passed, typically late April or early May in the Islip area. Even if daytime temperatures are warm, nighttime freezes can still damage your system.
Before restarting, have your system professionally inspected and tested. This spring startup service checks for winter damage, adjusts sprinkler heads, and ensures proper system operation before you begin regular watering.
Many homeowners make the mistake of turning systems on too early or without proper inspection. Professional spring startup prevents damage from premature activation and ensures your system operates efficiently throughout the growing season.
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