Safeguarding sprinklers from winter storms
KEVIN MCCLINTOCK GateHouse Plus

Thanks to Old Man Winter's icy breath, there's little need or use for that sprinkler system threading through the front and back yards. So you really don't need it until green sprouts again atop the trees outside.

But you shouldn't ignore it, particularly if you have an expensive and intricate sprinkler or irrigation system. What you do need to do is ensure all the various lengths of hoses and pipes are as dry as the desert sands. Freezing temperatures can cause the water in an exposed pipe to expand. If this icy slush expands too much, the metal can burst. That means you're waving byebye to pipes, fittings, valves, sprinklers and the expensive pumps themselves.

"With home irrigation systems, you probably wouldn't know you had any pipe damage until you turned it on for the first spring watering," said irrigation specialist Kerry Harrison.

Most in-ground sprinkler pipes should be fine - the ground is a decent insulator, even with metal, because only the top couple of inches will freeze over during a plastering of ice.

Other irrigation components, such as backflowprevention valves, are at

ground level, though,

and could be in danger. If any exposed valves or pipes are around your home, tape them up or use a sack to help insulate them, Harrison said. You can find these specialized tapes and sacks or foams at most local home improvement stores.

improvement stores. Still, the most important factor to remember is to drain the water as best you can. Obviously the less water inside means less potential damage to parts or the entire system.

"If you don't drain it properly in the winter, your sprinkler could be a geyser when you turn it on next spring," Harrison said.

Don't forget

about outside water

hoses, either. Just do one of two things: Leave the hoses hanging outside but disconnect them from faucets, or disconnect, drain and store hoses in a place with a constant temperature - inside your garage should be fine.