How Winnipeg Property Owners Protect Irrigation Wells Through Winter
Every spring, hundreds of Winnipeg property owners discover cracked pipes, burst valves, and damaged pumps when they activate their irrigation systems. The cause? Inadequate or absent winter well servicing from the previous fall. When temperatures plummet to -30°C and water remains trapped in your system, physics takes over—water expands as it freezes, exerting forces strong enough to split metal fittings and shatter plastic components.
The difference between a system that survives winter intact and one requiring thousands in repairs often comes down to a single service appointment in October or November. Yet many property owners either skip this critical maintenance or attempt DIY solutions that leave water lurking in hidden system components. By the time spring arrives and problems become visible, the damage is done.
Bulger Brothers Landscape has witnessed the aftermath of failed winterization attempts countless times. We've also helped hundreds of clients protect their irrigation investments with professional winter well servicing that eliminates every drop of water before the first hard freeze.
Key Takeaways
A single night of -20°C weather can destroy an improperly winterized irrigation system
Professional winter well servicing costs a fraction of spring repair bills for freeze-damaged components
Compressed air blow-out removes water that gravity drainage cannot eliminate from pipes and valves
Winnipeg's frost depth reaches 7-9 feet, making shallow irrigation components extremely vulnerable
Attempting winterization without proper equipment frequently results in incomplete water removal
Spring start-up requires careful procedures to prevent water hammer damage when reactivating your system
Overview
This guide examines what happens when irrigation wells aren't properly protected from Winnipeg's extreme winter conditions and how professional service prevents these problems. You'll discover why standard drainage methods fail in prairie climates, which components face the highest risk, and what separates effective winterization from inadequate attempts.
We'll walk through real-world consequences of skipped maintenance, explain the science behind freeze damage, and detail the professional techniques that Bulger Brothers Landscape uses to protect your investment. Our FAQ section addresses your most pressing questions about timing, costs, and service requirements, while the conclusion provides actionable next steps for scheduling your winter well servicing before cold weather arrives.
Whether you're a first-time irrigation system owner or someone who's experienced freeze damage in the past, this information helps you understand why professional winterization matters and what to expect from quality service.
What Actually Happens When Water Freezes in Your System
Understanding the mechanics of freeze damage helps explain why winter well servicing is non-negotiable in Winnipeg's climate. Water behaves differently than nearly every other substance when temperatures drop.
Most materials contract as they cool—metal shrinks, plastic becomes more rigid, and air compresses. Water follows this pattern until it reaches 4°C, then reverses course. From 4°C down to 0°C, water begins expanding. When it finally freezes at 0°C, the expansion accelerates dramatically, increasing volume by approximately 9%.
This expansion creates enormous pressure. A sealed pipe containing water generates forces exceeding 25,000 pounds per square inch as ice forms. No residential plumbing or irrigation component can withstand this pressure. Something must give—and that something is your equipment.
The Cascade Effect of Freeze Damage
Freeze damage rarely affects just one component. A crack in a main line allows water to escape, reducing pressure throughout the system. This pressure drop can cause valves to malfunction, pumps to cycle incorrectly, and controllers to display error codes. What begins as a single frozen pipe often cascades into multiple repair needs.
During spring start-up, that initial crack becomes a geyser. Water shoots from the break at full system pressure, flooding valve boxes, saturating soil, and potentially undermining paving or structures. By the time you notice the problem, hundreds or thousands of gallons may have already escaped.
Components Most Vulnerable to Freeze Damage
Not all irrigation system parts face equal risk. Some components contain design features that make them particularly susceptible to cold weather damage.
Backflow Preventers These devices protect drinking water supplies from contamination, making them legally required in most jurisdictions. They contain multiple chambers, springs, check valves, and small passages where water collects. Even thorough gravity drainage leaves water trapped inside. When that water freezes, the brass body cracks, internal components distort, and the entire unit requires replacement at costs ranging from $300 to $800 or more.
Irrigation Zone Valves Electric solenoid valves control water flow to individual zones. These valves sit in underground boxes, typically 8-12 inches deep—well above Winnipeg's frost line. The valve body contains a diaphragm, spring assembly, and flow passages. Frozen water cracks the plastic body or damages the rubber diaphragm, preventing proper valve operation even after thawing occurs.
Sprinkler Heads With Check Valves Many modern sprinkler heads include built-in check valves that prevent water drainage after the system shuts off. This feature improves performance during operation but traps water in the head during winter. That trapped water freezes, cracks the body, and damages the pop-up mechanism. Spring activation reveals heads that won't extend, won't retract, or spray wildly from body cracks.
PVC and Polyethylene Pipe Underground pipes carry water throughout your irrigation system. While polyethylene pipe offers some flexibility that allows minor expansion, PVC pipe is rigid and brittle. Both materials crack when ice forms inside them. The cracks often occur at joints or fittings where stress concentrates. Underground breaks are expensive to locate and repair, requiring excavation and soil restoration.
Why DIY Winter Well Servicing Fails So Often
Property owners attempt DIY winterization for understandable reasons—professional service costs money, and the process seems straightforward. However, irrigation systems contain complexities that aren't immediately obvious, and inadequate equipment leaves water in places you can't see.
The Shop Vacuum Misconception
Many homeowners try using a shop vacuum to remove water from irrigation lines. While this approach removes some water, it cannot generate sufficient vacuum to pull water from horizontal pipe runs, low spots, or valves with check mechanisms. The vacuum also can't reach multiple zones simultaneously, requiring tedious zone-by-zone operation that still leaves residual water.
Shop vacuums lack the sustained airflow necessary for effective winterization. They quickly lose suction when working against water resistance, and they can't maintain the pressure differential needed to clear complex valve assemblies or backflow preventers.
Inadequate Compressor Size
Some DIYers rent or purchase air compressors for blow-out winterization. However, most residential compressors produce insufficient cubic feet per minute (CFM) for irrigation system winterization. The system requires sustained airflow to push water through multiple sprinkler heads simultaneously.
A typical residential compressor generates 3-5 CFM. Effective irrigation winterization demands 40-60 CFM or more, depending on system size. Small compressors run constantly, building pressure but delivering minimal airflow. Water remains in pipes despite extended blow-out attempts.
Missing the Hidden Water
Even with proper equipment, inexperienced operators miss water hiding in specific locations:
Automatic drain valves themselves contain chambers that trap water
Valve diaphragm housings hold water that gravity can't remove
Sprinkler bodies with side inlet connections retain water despite top inlet drainage
Low-point drain valves need manual opening that DIYers often miss
Backflow preventer test cocks must be manually opened for complete drainage
Bulger Brothers Landscape technicians know exactly where water hides in every system type and component configuration. This knowledge comes from years of experience and specialized training that DIY attempts cannot replicate.
The Real Cost of Skipped Maintenance
Consider the actual financial impact of avoiding winter well servicing. Professional service typically costs $200-$400 for residential systems, depending on size and complexity. This expense protects an irrigation system investment of $5,000-$15,000 or more.
Now compare that maintenance cost to common freeze damage repairs:
Backflow Preventer Replacement: $400-$900 The device itself costs $300-$600, plus labor for installation, testing, and inspection. Many municipalities require certified backflow testing after replacement, adding another $75-$150.
Main Line Break Repair: $500-$1,500 Locating the break requires specialized equipment. Excavation damages lawns and landscaping. The pipe section needs cutting out and replacing. Soil restoration and reseeding add to the total cost.
Zone Valve Replacement: $150-$300 per valve Multiple valves often freeze simultaneously since they sit at similar depths. A system with eight zones could face $1,200-$2,400 in valve replacement costs alone.
Sprinkler Head Replacement: $15-$40 per head Residential systems typically contain 20-50 heads. If freeze damage affects even half of them, replacement costs reach $300-$800 plus installation labor.
Pump Damage: $800-$2,500 While deep well pumps rarely freeze, shallow jet pumps or pumps in unheated spaces suffer extensive damage. Replacement requires pulling the old pump, installing a new unit, and pressure testing the system.
These repair costs accumulate quickly. A system with a cracked backflow preventer, three damaged valves, and fifteen broken sprinkler heads faces $2,000-$3,000 in repairs—five to ten times the cost of preventive winter well servicing.
Insurance and Warranty Considerations
Homeowner's insurance rarely covers freeze damage to irrigation systems. Policies typically exclude damage resulting from lack of maintenance or winterization. Even if coverage exists, deductibles often exceed repair costs, making claims impractical.
Equipment warranties explicitly exclude freeze damage. Valve manufacturers, sprinkler head companies, and backflow preventer producers all state that freezing voids their warranties. Any component that cracks from ice formation must be replaced at full retail cost.
This combination means freeze damage expenses come entirely from your pocket, with no insurance reimbursement or warranty coverage to offset costs.
Timing Your Service Before It's Too Late
Winnipeg's weather patterns create urgency around winter well servicing scheduling. The window between optimal irrigation season end and dangerous freezing temperatures spans just a few weeks, and service providers face heavy demand during this period.
Reading the Weather Signs
Several indicators suggest winter well servicing should happen soon:
Overnight Temperatures Near Freezing Once night temperatures consistently approach 0°C, the first hard freeze is imminent. Ground frost begins forming even when daytime temperatures remain moderate. This frost affects shallow irrigation components before air temperatures would suggest danger.
Late October Arrival Historical climate data shows Winnipeg's first temperatures below -5°C typically occur in early November. By late October, scheduling winter well servicing becomes urgent. Waiting until you see frost on your lawn risks sudden temperature drops that catch unprepared systems.
Long-Range Forecasts Predicting Cold Snaps Meteorologists can identify approaching Arctic air masses several days in advance. If forecasts show temperatures dropping to -10°C or colder within the next week, immediate service scheduling is critical. These cold snaps can arrive earlier than seasonal averages, catching property owners off guard.
End of Irrigation Season Most Winnipeg lawns and landscapes finish active watering by mid-October. Once you've completed your final irrigation for the year, schedule winter well servicing immediately. There's no benefit to leaving the system vulnerable while waiting for colder weather.
The Scheduling Rush
Professional irrigation service companies experience compressed demand during the October-November period. Every property owner with an irrigation system needs the same service within the same tight timeframe. This demand surge creates scheduling challenges.
Calling in early October secures preferred appointment times. Waiting until late October or early November often means accepting whatever appointment slots remain available, which might be days or weeks out. If an early cold snap arrives before your scheduled appointment, emergency service rates apply—or worse, damage occurs before service can be completed.
Bulger Brothers Landscape recommends scheduling winter well servicing in September or early October, well before the scheduling rush begins. Early booking provides flexibility and peace of mind, knowing your system will be protected regardless of weather fluctuations.
Professional Service Standards and Techniques
Quality winter well servicing follows systematic procedures that address every system component. Professional providers like Bulger Brothers Landscape use specialized equipment and proven techniques developed specifically for Winnipeg's climate.
Pre-Service System Evaluation
Before winterization begins, technicians conduct a complete system evaluation. This inspection identifies existing problems that need repair and components requiring special attention during the winterization process.
The evaluation includes:
Main shut-off valve operation and condition
Backflow preventer visual inspection for leaks or damage
Controller programming review and battery check
Zone valve box inspection for standing water or visible problems
Sprinkler head survey noting damaged or misaligned heads
Pressure testing to verify pump and system operation
This evaluation catches problems before winter, allowing repairs while the system remains operational. Addressing these issues during winterization prevents discovering multiple problems during spring start-up when you need the system functioning immediately.
Systematic Zone Processing
Professional compressed air blow-out follows a specific sequence that removes maximum water with minimum risk of damage. Technicians connect the air compressor to the system through a dedicated connection point, typically at the main line near the shut-off valve.
Starting with the furthest zone from the compressor, each zone activates individually. Air flows through the zone until all sprinkler heads show clear air discharge with no water droplets. This typically requires two to three minutes per zone, though complex zones with numerous heads may need longer.
After clearing visible water, technicians run each zone again in short bursts. This cycling ensures water hiding in valve bodies or low spots gets pushed out. The process repeats until three consecutive short cycles show completely dry discharge.
Pressure Management During Blow-Out
Maintaining proper pressure prevents damage during the blow-out process. Too little pressure fails to move water effectively. Excessive pressure can rupture pipes, blow out sprinkler heads, or damage valve diaphragms.
Professional equipment includes pressure regulation systems that maintain safe operating pressure throughout the blow-out. Technicians monitor pressure continuously, adjusting as needed for different zones and components.
Final Component Drainage
After compressed air processing, certain components need manual drainage:
Backflow preventer test cocks receive manual opening to release trapped water
Any filter housings get opened and drained completely
Pump pressure tanks have drain valves opened if accessible
Manual drain valves throughout the system receive verification they're open
Above-ground piping gets checked for drain plug operation
This manual process catches water that compressed air cannot remove, providing complete protection against freeze damage.
Special Considerations for Well-Based Systems
Irrigation systems connected to private wells face unique challenges compared to those using municipal water. The well pump, pressure tank, and control systems all require specific winterization attention.
Deep Well Pump Protection
Deep well submersible pumps installed 25 feet or more below grade typically remain safe from freezing. The earth maintains stable temperatures at these depths, keeping the pump above freezing even during the coldest weather.
However, the well casing near ground level and any pitless adapters or well seals can freeze if not properly protected. Insulating well caps and above-ground piping prevents these components from damage.
Pressure Tank and Control Systems
The pressure tank—usually located in a basement, pump house, or buried pit—contains a significant water volume that must be drained. The tank drain valve releases this water, but the process takes time as water flows through the relatively small drain opening.
Control pressure switches, gauges, and electrical connections also need protection from moisture. In unheated spaces, these components face potential damage from extreme cold even without direct water exposure.
Pump House Winterization
Properties with pump houses or above-ground pump installations face additional challenges. If the building maintains heat through winter, minimal additional protection is needed. However, unheated pump houses require extensive winterization:
Complete pump drainage including all internal passages
Pressure tank drainage and air valve operation
Pipe insulation for any lines that cannot be completely drained
Heat tape installation on critical components
Building weatherization to prevent wind infiltration
Some property owners choose to remove pumps completely from unheated spaces, storing them indoors until spring. This approach provides maximum protection but requires significant labor for removal and reinstallation.
Protecting Your Investment Year After Year
Winter well servicing isn't a one-time event but an annual maintenance requirement. Every season brings the same risks, and every fall demands the same protection. Building a relationship with professional service providers ensures consistent, reliable care.
Multi-Year Service Agreements
Many property owners find value in multi-year service agreements that bundle winter well servicing with spring start-up and seasonal maintenance. These packages typically offer:
Guaranteed appointment availability without scheduling competition
Reduced per-service costs compared to individual appointments
Priority emergency service if unexpected problems occur
System documentation and history tracking
Automatic scheduling reminders
Bulger Brothers Landscape offers comprehensive service programs that cover your irrigation system throughout the year, eliminating the need to remember scheduling or worry about seasonal transitions.
System Improvements During Off-Season
Winter represents an ideal time for major system upgrades since the system remains offline anyway. Controller replacements, valve upgrades, or pipe rerouting can happen during the dormant season without affecting irrigation availability.
Planning these improvements during fall winterization allows parts ordering and scheduling without pressure. When spring arrives, your system activates with new components already installed and tested.
Emergency Response When Prevention Fails
Despite the best planning, unexpected situations sometimes arise. An unusually early cold snap, delayed service scheduling, or equipment failure can leave systems vulnerable. Understanding emergency options helps minimize damage when problems occur.
Temporary Freeze Protection Measures
If cold weather threatens before professional winter well servicing can occur, temporary measures provide limited protection:
Running Water Method Activating the irrigation system on a continuous low flow can prevent freezing in pipes. Moving water resists freezing far better than static water. However, this approach only works for brief cold snaps and wastes significant water.
Insulation Installation Wrapping exposed pipes and above-ground components with insulation foam provides some protection. This doesn't replace proper winterization but may prevent damage during short-term temperature drops.
Heat Tape Application Electrical heat tape maintains above-freezing temperatures on wrapped pipes. Professional-grade heat tape includes thermostats that activate only when needed. However, heat tape requires power and only protects wrapped components.
These temporary measures should never substitute for complete winter well servicing. They serve only as emergency stop-gaps until professional service can occur.
Recognizing When Damage Has Occurred
Spring system activation often reveals winter damage. Recognizing problems immediately prevents worse damage from operating a compromised system.
Warning signs include:
Water spraying from unexpected locations when zones activate
Significant pressure drops compared to previous season operation
Zones that won't activate despite controller signals
Visible water around valve boxes when system is off
Unusually high water bills after system activation
Erratic sprinkler head operation or poor coverage patterns
If any of these symptoms appear during spring start-up, shut down the system immediately and contact professional service. Operating a damaged system wastes water, worsens existing damage, and can cause new problems.
Making the Smart Choice for Your Property
Choosing between DIY attempts and professional winter well servicing ultimately comes down to risk assessment. The potential costs of inadequate winterization far exceed service expenses, and the complexity of irrigation systems makes successful DIY winterization unlikely for most homeowners.
Professional service provides value beyond just water removal. Technicians identify existing problems, recommend upgrades, maintain detailed service records, and bring years of experience to every appointment. This expertise protects your investment and provides peace of mind throughout winter months.
Bulger Brothers Landscape has built our reputation on reliable, thorough service that protects irrigation systems year after year. Our technicians understand Winnipeg's climate challenges intimately and know exactly what your system needs to survive winter intact. We use commercial-grade equipment, follow systematic procedures, and stand behind our work with guarantees that DIY attempts can't match.
Take Action Before Cold Weather Arrives
Winter well servicing represents one of those property maintenance tasks where procrastination carries serious consequences. Unlike many maintenance items that can wait a few extra weeks without major problems, irrigation winterization has a firm deadline—the first hard freeze. Once that freeze occurs, any water remaining in your system begins causing damage immediately.
Don't gamble with your irrigation investment. Professional winter well servicing from Bulger Brothers Landscape costs a fraction of potential repair expenses and provides complete protection against freeze damage. Located at 7 Leeward Pl, Winnipeg, MB R3X 1M6, our team stands ready to protect your system before cold weather strikes. Call (204) 782-0313 today to schedule your appointment. Our experienced technicians will visit your property, perform a complete system evaluation, and execute thorough winterization using professional equipment and proven techniques. We'll remove every drop of water from pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads, protecting your investment so it's ready to perform flawlessly when spring arrives.
Conclusion
Professional winter well servicing stands as the only reliable defense against freeze damage in Winnipeg's brutal climate. The consequences of skipped or inadequate winterization extend far beyond inconvenience—thousands of dollars in repair costs, water waste from undetected leaks, and potential property damage from flooding all stem from water left in systems during freezing weather. The science is simple: water expands when frozen, and that expansion destroys irrigation components without exception.
Bulger Brothers Landscape delivers comprehensive winter well servicing that removes every drop of water from your system using professional equipment and systematic procedures. We understand Winnipeg's unique challenges and bring years of local experience to every appointment. Don't risk your irrigation investment with DIY attempts or delayed scheduling. Contact us at (204) 782-0313 or visit 7 Leeward Pl, Winnipeg, MB R3X 1M6 to schedule your winter well servicing today. Our technicians will protect your system so it survives winter intact and activates flawlessly when spring returns and your landscape needs water again.
FAQs
Q: What's the single most common mistake property owners make regarding winter well servicing?
A: The most common and costly mistake is waiting too long to schedule service. Property owners often delay until they see frost or feel genuinely cold weather, but by that time service companies are fully booked and early freezes can strike before appointments become available. The first hard freeze can occur suddenly—sometimes weeks earlier than seasonal averages—and one night of -10°C weather is sufficient to crack pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. Schedule your winter well servicing in early October, well before the scheduling rush and before weather becomes unpredictable. This proactive approach costs nothing extra and eliminates risk.
Q: Can I just use my air compressor at home to winterize my irrigation system?
A: Most residential air compressors lack the capacity for effective irrigation winterization. The critical specification is CFM (cubic feet per minute), not PSI (pounds per square inch). Irrigation systems require 40-60 CFM or more to push water through multiple sprinkler heads simultaneously. A typical home shop compressor generates only 3-5 CFM at useful pressure levels. While it might eventually move some water, it cannot achieve the sustained airflow necessary to clear complex valve assemblies, backflow preventers, or multiple zones efficiently. Additionally, residential compressors often lack pressure regulation equipment, risking damage from excessive pressure or inadequate clearing from insufficient pressure.
Q: If my irrigation system has automatic drain valves, do I still need professional winter well servicing?
A: Absolutely yes. Automatic drain valves provide partial protection at best, especially in Winnipeg's extreme climate. These valves open when pressure drops, allowing gravity to drain water from pipes. However, gravity drainage leaves water in sprinkler head bodies, valve diaphragm chambers, backflow preventers, and any piping sections that don't slope perfectly toward drain points. Even in systems specifically designed with automatic drains, compressed air blow-out removes significantly more water than gravity drainage alone. For Winnipeg winters where temperatures reach -30°C or colder, automatic drains are insufficient. Professional winter well servicing should include compressed air blow-out even when automatic drains are present.
Q: How can I tell if my irrigation system suffered freeze damage over the winter?
A: Freeze damage typically becomes apparent during spring system activation, though some signs may be visible before start-up. During winter, check for cracked backflow preventer housings, split above-ground pipes, or obvious breaks in exposed components. When you activate your system in spring, immediate problems include water spraying from pipe joints, soaked areas around valve boxes, zones that won't turn on, or sprinkler heads that won't extend properly. More subtle damage manifests as reduced pressure throughout the system, erratic sprinkler patterns, or constantly running zones that won't shut off. If you notice any water where it shouldn't be, unusual sounds during operation, or poor coverage compared to previous seasons, shut down the system and contact Bulger Brothers Landscape for professional evaluation before operating it further.
Q: What happens if an unexpected cold snap arrives before my scheduled winter well servicing appointment?
A: Contact your service provider immediately when you learn that temperatures will drop significantly before your scheduled appointment. Many providers offer emergency service or can move appointments earlier when weather forecasts indicate approaching freezes. In the meantime, you may need to implement temporary protection measures such as running a small continuous flow through the system to keep water moving, though this wastes water and only works for brief cold periods. If freeze damage occurs before service can happen, document the problems carefully and schedule repair evaluation. Some service providers offer emergency winterization at premium rates when scheduling conflicts with weather create urgent situations.
Q: Is there a difference in winter well servicing requirements for commercial properties versus residential systems?
A: Yes, commercial properties typically have more extensive systems with additional complexity. Commercial irrigation systems often include multiple pump stations, dozens of zones, sophisticated controllers with weather stations, and components spread across large areas. These systems require longer service times, more powerful compressor equipment, and additional expertise in handling complex valve manifolds and large-capacity backflow preventers. The winterization principles remain the same—complete water removal from all components—but the scale and complexity increase substantially. Commercial properties should budget more time and higher costs for winter well servicing. Bulger Brothers Landscape provides comprehensive commercial irrigation winterization with equipment and experience appropriate for large-scale systems.
Q: Should I turn off the power to my irrigation controller during winter?
A: No, leave the controller powered but set it to "off" or "rain mode" to prevent valve activation. The controller should maintain power to preserve programming, keep the clock running, and maintain battery backup systems. Completely removing power requires reprogramming everything in spring—time, date, zone run times, start times, and seasonal adjustments. However, if your system has a pump connected to the controller's master valve circuit, disconnect the wires to the master valve terminals as a safety precaution. This prevents accidental pump activation during winter, which could cause overheating damage when no water flows through the pump.
Q: What warranty coverage exists for freeze damage to irrigation components?
A: None. Equipment manufacturers universally exclude freeze damage from warranty coverage. Valves, sprinkler heads, backflow preventers, and pipes all carry warranties against manufacturing defects but explicitly state that freezing voids those warranties. This exclusion means any component that cracks, splits, or fails due to ice formation must be replaced at full retail cost plus installation labor. Homeowner's insurance rarely covers irrigation system freeze damage either, typically excluding damage from lack of maintenance or winterization. This combination of exclusions means freeze damage expenses come entirely from your pocket with no insurance or warranty reimbursement—making preventive winter well servicing an extremely cost-effective investment compared to potential repair expenses.
Q: Can winter well servicing be performed after the first freeze if I missed the fall window?
A: It's possible but risky. If temperatures have already dropped below freezing, damage may have already occurred even if not yet visible. Activating a system that's been exposed to freezing temperatures to perform winterization can cause immediate breaks where cracks exist. Additionally, working with irrigation systems in freezing weather creates challenges for technicians—connections become difficult to manipulate, water freezes during the blow-out process, and identifying problems becomes harder. If you've missed the fall window and temperatures have frozen, it's often better to leave the system dormant until spring, then assess damage during start-up. Prevention is always superior to late-season scrambling, which is why scheduling winter well servicing in early October provides essential protection.
Q: How does professional winter well servicing protect against freeze-thaw cycles specifically?
A: Winnipeg winters feature frequent freeze-thaw cycles where temperatures fluctuate above and below freezing. These cycles are particularly damaging because water can move, settle, and re-freeze repeatedly. Each freeze-thaw event stresses components, with cracks developing gradually over multiple cycles. Professional winter well servicing removes water completely, eliminating the substance that expands during freezing. Without water present, freeze-thaw cycles cannot cause damage regardless of how many times temperatures fluctuate. This complete removal provides absolute protection compared to partial drainage that leaves some water to freeze, thaw, move to new locations, and refreeze in different components throughout the winter season.
Q: What should I look for when choosing a company to perform winter well servicing?
A: Evaluate several key factors when selecting a service provider. First, verify they have appropriate equipment—commercial-grade air compressors with sufficient CFM ratings, not just portable units adequate for inflating tires. Second, confirm they follow systematic procedures rather than quick blow-outs that skip manual drainage steps. Third, ask about experience specifically with Winnipeg climate challenges and knowledge of local frost depths and common problems. Fourth, check whether they provide spring start-up service, allowing for comprehensive year-round care by a provider familiar with your specific system. Fifth, look for documented procedures and service records they maintain for each property. Bulger Brothers Landscape offers all these qualifications plus local experience protecting Winnipeg irrigation systems for years.
