Hear from Our Customers
You’ll sleep better this winter knowing your irrigation investment is protected. When spring arrives, your system fires up without expensive repairs or replacement parts. No cracked pipes, no damaged sprinkler heads, no emergency calls to fix what could have been prevented.
Most Long Island homeowners learn the hard way that simply shutting off the water isn’t enough. Residual water sits in your lines, waiting to freeze and expand. One brutal cold snap can turn a $200 winterization into a $2,000 repair bill.
Our professional blowout service removes every drop of water from your system using commercial-grade compressed air equipment. Your pipes stay intact, your investment stays protected, and you avoid the headache of spring damage.
Rolling Hills Property Services has been protecting Suffolk County irrigation systems through Long Island’s harshest winters. We understand Mastic’s unique climate challenges and soil conditions that affect how water moves through your system.
Licensed and insured, we bring the right equipment and experience to handle everything from basic residential sprinklers to complex multi-zone commercial systems. No shortcuts, no guesswork – just thorough winterization that keeps your system running year after year.
Our team knows that your irrigation system represents a significant investment in your property. That’s why we treat every winterization like it’s protecting our own home.
First, we shut down your system properly at the main water supply and controller. This isn’t just flipping a switch – we ensure every component is safely powered down and isolated from your home’s water supply.
Next comes the critical step: compressed air blowout. Using professional-grade compressors, we charge each zone individually with pressurized air, forcing out every drop of water from pipes, sprinkler heads, and valves. We work zone by zone until each section runs completely dry.
Finally, we drain any remaining water from backflow preventers and shut-off valves, then secure all above-ground components. You get a complete walkthrough of what was done and what to expect when spring startup time arrives.
The entire process typically takes 30-45 minutes for most residential systems, but we never rush. Your system gets the time it needs for complete protection.
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Your winterization service covers complete water removal from all irrigation lines, sprinkler heads, and valve boxes. We inspect each zone for any existing issues that could worsen over winter, giving you a heads-up on potential spring repairs.
Backflow preventer draining is included – a step many DIY attempts miss entirely. These devices are expensive to replace and absolutely critical for keeping your drinking water safe. We also secure any above-ground components that could be damaged by freezing temperatures.
Long Island’s freeze-thaw cycles are particularly brutal on irrigation systems. Mastic’s proximity to the water means temperature swings can happen quickly, catching unprepared systems off guard. Professional winterization accounts for these local conditions, ensuring your system survives everything from sudden cold snaps to prolonged freezing periods.
You’ll receive confirmation that your system is winter-ready, plus guidance on any additional steps to protect exposed components around your property.
Schedule your winterization before the first hard freeze, typically between late October and mid-November on Long Island. Don’t wait for the weather forecast to show freezing temperatures – book early in the season.
Once temperatures drop below 32°F, any water left in your system can freeze and cause damage within hours. Mastic’s coastal location means weather can change quickly, and you don’t want to be caught scrambling for last-minute service when everyone else is doing the same thing.
Most professional companies book up fast as winter approaches. Scheduling in early fall ensures you get your preferred date and aren’t left with an unprotected system when the first freeze hits.
While it’s technically possible, professional winterization is worth the investment for most homeowners. The equipment required – specifically high-capacity air compressors – isn’t something most people own or want to rent and operate.
Improper blowout technique can actually damage your system. Too much pressure can crack fittings, while too little leaves water behind. Professional technicians know the right pressure for each component and how to sequence the blowout for maximum effectiveness.
The cost of professional service is minimal compared to replacing cracked pipes, damaged sprinkler heads, or a destroyed backflow preventer. Most homeowners find the peace of mind worth the expense, especially after seeing what freeze damage costs to repair.
You’re gambling with your entire irrigation investment. Water expands roughly 10% when it freezes, creating tremendous pressure inside your pipes and fittings. Even a small amount of residual water can crack pipes or destroy sprinkler heads.
Spring startup becomes a costly surprise when you discover damaged components throughout your system. Cracked underground pipes are particularly expensive because they require excavation to access and repair. What could have been a $200 winterization becomes a multi-thousand dollar reconstruction project.
Insurance typically doesn’t cover freeze damage to irrigation systems, considering it preventable maintenance. You’re responsible for the full cost of repairs, replacement parts, and any landscape damage from digging up broken pipes.
Professional winterization typically costs between $150-300 for most residential systems, depending on the number of zones and complexity. This small investment protects thousands of dollars worth of irrigation infrastructure.
Compare that to spring repair costs: replacing a cracked backflow preventer runs $400-600, while repairing underground pipe damage can easily exceed $1,000 per break. A single winter of freeze damage often costs more than a decade of professional winterization.
Most companies offer package deals if you bundle winterization with spring startup service. This ensures your system gets professional attention twice a year and often reduces your total annual maintenance costs.
Your irrigation system is completely shut down after professional winterization, so there’s nothing you need to operate or monitor. The main water supply to your system is turned off, and all components are drained and secured.
Avoid turning any valves or switches related to your irrigation system during winter. The system is designed to stay completely inactive until professional spring startup. Attempting to run water through the system before it’s properly reactivated can cause damage.
If you notice any above-ground components that seem loose or damaged during winter storms, make a note for spring service but don’t attempt repairs yourself. Professional startup includes inspection of all components and addressing any issues that developed over winter.
Schedule spring startup after the last frost date, typically mid to late April on Long Island. Don’t rush to turn your system back on – one late freeze can damage components that aren’t designed to handle ice formation.
Professional startup involves more than just turning the water back on. Technicians inspect the entire system, test each zone, adjust sprinkler heads, and program your controller for the growing season. We also check for any damage that may have occurred over winter.
Early season scheduling ensures you get your preferred appointment time and your lawn gets proper irrigation from the start of the growing season. Waiting too long can stress your grass and plants during those critical early spring weeks when they’re coming out of dormancy.
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