Rush to winterize grows as wintry forecast nears
Temperatures have been above average for much of the fall season, but a potent storm system is going to change that by midweek.
Clouds, a chance for snow and temperatures only warming into the 20s and 30s have many homeowners making last-minute preparations.
“I’ll probably get another 30 to 40 phone calls today, it’ll be crazier tomorrow and Wednesday will be off the wall,” said Gordon Chrzanowski, owner of Gordon’s Landscaping.
Chrzanowski said the upcoming cool-down has increased the number of people calling upon him to help them winterize their sprinklers.
He said failing to winterize, or winterize properly, can result in split pipes; a repair that can cost hundreds to remedy.
“For a nominal fee it costs to have it done properly, it saves a lot of headaches come springtime,” he said.
Chrzanowski said for those who are unable to find somebody to winterize their sprinklers in time for the upcoming storm, there are temporary options.
“So, what we try and tell the folks is if we can’t get there soon enough, go ahead and turn the water off in the basement of crawlspace. Go ahead and drain those pieces of equipment so they don’t freeze until we can get out there,” he said.
When draining an irrigation system, Chrzanowski reminds homeowners not to forget to drain the pressure vacuum breaker, the piece typically found near the home.
Chrzanowski also recommends placing a blanket over the sprinklers to insulate them, saying this will buy homeowners some time until they are able to get their systems winterized.
Colorado Springs Fire Department said sprinklers are not the only concern with winter around the corner. It said residents should have their furnaces cleaned and inspected, and ensure smoke and carbon monoxide detectors are functioning properly.
“The other thing we see a lot of is space heater problems; those tipping over and the cords being frayed because we pack them up for six months of the year. So, make sure when you pull out that space heater, it’s all in good working order,” said Sunny Smaldino, public information officer with CSFD.
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