Winter can be tough on your outdoor systems. Freezing temperatures, heavy snow, and icy conditions can cause damage to your landscape lighting and sprinkler setup if you don’t take the right precautions. The good news is that a few simple maintenance steps can protect your investment and save you from expensive repairs once spring rolls around.
At Suburban Lawn Sprinkler Co., we’ve helped countless homeowners prepare their outdoor systems for winter weather. Here are some easy, practical ways to keep your lights and sprinklers safe during the cold months.
Protecting Your Landscape Lights
Outdoor lights make your home feel warm and welcoming through the winter, but snow, ice, and frost can take a toll on fixtures, wiring, and bulbs. With some thoughtful care, you can keep your lighting system looking and working its best until the thaw.
Clear Snow Away Gently
When clearing your driveway or walkway, be careful around any lighting fixtures. Snowblowers, shovels, and plows can easily crack glass lenses or knock fixtures out of place. Instead, use a small brush or broom to gently clear snow from lights. Keeping them visible also helps prevent ice from forming on top of the fixtures.
Watch for Snow on Trees and Shrubs
If you’ve wrapped trees or shrubs with string lights, check them after every big snowfall. The weight of snow and ice can pull cords down, break bulbs, or damage branches. Gently shake off excess snow or use a soft brush to relieve the weight. Using flexible, plastic ties instead of wire helps prevent the cords from digging into the bark.
Keep Electrical Connections Dry
Water and electricity don’t mix, so it’s important to seal all outdoor connections. Make sure junction boxes and plugs are covered with waterproof caps or sealed connectors. Lifting cords slightly off the ground or mounting them on stakes helps prevent water damage when snow starts to melt.
Hide and Protect Your Cords
Extension cords can get brittle in freezing weather. They can also be tripped over or damaged by shovels if left exposed. Bury cords just below the surface or use outdoor clips to secure them along fences or walls. This not only protects the cords but also keeps your yard looking neat.
Recheck Fixture Angles
As the ground freezes and thaws, it expands and contracts, which can shift your light fixtures. Periodically check to make sure they’re still straight and pointing where you want them. Making small adjustments throughout the winter can prevent damage and save you time during spring cleanup.
Taking Care of Your Sprinkler System
Your sprinkler system is especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Even a small amount of leftover water can expand in the pipes and cause cracks or leaks. Proper winterization is key to keeping your system healthy year after year.
Drain and Blow Out the Lines
The most important step is removing all water from your irrigation lines. This is best done by a professional using compressed air to blow out the system. It ensures that no water remains in pipes, valves, or sprinkler heads that could freeze and cause damage.
Protect Exposed Components
Cover any above-ground parts, such as sprinkler heads, valves, or backflow preventers, with insulating foam covers. These simple, inexpensive items act as a barrier against snow and ice. Control boxes should also be checked to make sure they are dry and protected from the elements.
Keep Snow and Ice Clear
Avoid piling snow directly over sprinkler heads or valve boxes. The added weight can crack the plastic and cause soil compaction, which leads to drainage problems later. If you notice snow buildup, clear the area carefully to allow for proper airflow and prevent freezing around components.
Disconnect and Drain Hoses
If you use any above-ground attachments or garden hoses, be sure to disconnect them before the first freeze. Even a small amount of trapped water can back up into your irrigation system and freeze. Drain all hoses completely and store them indoors until spring.
Be Ready for Late-Winter Thaw
The end of winter can be just as unpredictable as the beginning. Sudden thaws can leave your yard waterlogged and expose problems that formed during the deep freeze. Keep an eye on drainage around your lighting and irrigation systems, and check for any areas where water pools or wires are exposed.
Scheduling a quick system inspection before spring starts is a great way to catch issues early. A professional can test connections, realign fixtures, and make sure your sprinkler system is ready for reactivation.
Keep Your Outdoor Systems Safe This Winter
Winter doesn’t have to spell trouble for your landscape lighting or irrigation. With a few preventive steps and routine checkups, you can keep your property safe and beautiful until warmer weather returns.
At Suburban Lawn Sprinkler Co., we specialize in preparing lighting and irrigation systems for the coldest months of the year. From professional blowouts to waterproofing and fixture maintenance, our team is here to make sure your outdoor systems are protected all season long.
Want help getting your systems ready for winter?
Call Suburban Lawn Sprinkler Co. today at (508) 872-2727 to schedule a service appointment and ensure your lights and sprinklers make it through winter without a hitch.
