This is the time of year for that we, as Michiganders, prepare to head into the cold winter months. One of the more important tasks to complete is the winterizing of your sprinkler system. If left undone the risk is great for cracked and leaking lines, and malfunctioning valves when it is revived in the Spring. Matt McCartney owner of St. Clair Landscape and Irrigation said, [his company is] starting to get a lot of calls right now.” He said, “the homeowner can do a blowout of their own sprinkler system, but they may want to consider using a professional that guarantees the work.”
McCartney’s business is nearly booked for the season. He explained that there is a short window to complete the winterizing, so companies are booked early. He said you don’t want to winterize too soon, or get started too late. When the weather is below freezing for longer stretches, anything above ground will freeze first, like backflow preventers. Since McCartney’s equipment uses large diesel compressors, he usually is able to get 90 percent of the water out of a system, including equipment above the ground. He explained that a homeowner will typically use a smaller compressor, and will leave more water, thus leaving the system more vulnerable to freezing.
Reporting for WGRT, Mike Smith
