If you live in Raleigh, NC, you know how the weather likes to play tricks — warm one day, icy the next. As irrigation specialists, we’ve seen sprinkler systems crack, leak, and burst because a contractor failed to plan for local freeze risk. That’s why checking if your irrigation contractor actually knows how to protect your system from freezing temperatures isn’t just smart — it saves your wallet, too.
At Water Works Unlimited, Inc., we’ve installed and repaired hundreds of irrigation systems across Raleigh, Cary, and the Triangle area. As one of the best irrigation contractors in North Carolina, we’ve seen what works and what doesn’t during the state’s winter months. Here’s how you can tell if your contractor truly understands freeze protection and system safety.
What is Freeze Risk?
Freeze risk means the chance that water left inside your irrigation pipes, sprinkler heads, or backflow device will freeze when the temperature drops below 32°F.
When water freezes, it expands — and that’s where the trouble starts. The pressure from that expansion can crack pipes, burst fittings, or damage valves inside your irrigation system. Even one night of freezing weather in Raleigh, NC, can cause leaks or costly repairs if your system isn’t protected.
Do They Know How Freeze-Risk Works in Raleigh?
Raleigh might not see constant snow, but it gets enough cold snaps to cause trouble. Any contractor worth your trust should know how those freezing nights affect water left inside sprinkler pipes.
Local freeze-risk knowledge
A good irrigation contractor understands that even one freeze can cause a pipe or backflow to burst if not drained properly.
Weather patterns awareness
They should be able to explain how temperature drops below 32°F and overnight rainfall can impact your irrigation system’s performance and water flow.
Proven experience in NC winters
Ask if they’ve worked on system installations and winterization in Wake County or other nearby areas. We just winterized several lawns in Cary last week — and those homeowners will sleep better knowing their systems are safe.
Last winter, we worked with Water Works on a project in Bedford at Falls River, Raleigh, NC, where the homeowner, Laura Benson, called after noticing her sprinkler system was leaking even though it hadn’t been used in weeks.
When we inspected it, we found that the pipes had cracked from water freezing inside during one of those unexpected cold snaps Raleigh often gets. Laura’s previous contractor hadn’t drained the system properly before winter, assuming the mild weather wouldn’t be an issue.
With Water Works, we explained how freeze-risk works in the area — even one night below 32°F can cause significant damage if pipes aren’t cleared. We performed a complete winterization, drained the lines, and insulated the backflow preventer to handle future cold spells.
Now, Laura’s system runs smoothly, and she doesn’t have to worry about burst pipes or costly spring repairs.
– Laura Benson, Bedford at Falls River
Do They Offer Proper Winterization Services?
If your contractor doesn’t bring up winterization, that’s a red flag.
- Winterization basics: This means draining all water from your irrigation system, blowing out the pipes with air, and shutting down the controller.
- System protection: Ask how they handle sprinkler heads, valves, and backflow testing. A reliable contractor will cover exposed parts or recommend insulation.
- Rain sensors and controllers: The right technician will know how to set your Rain Bird, Toro, or Irritrol controller to “off” or “rain mode” during the cold months.
Do They Have the Right License and Certifications?
A contractor working on irrigation in North Carolina needs to have an NC Irrigation License. This means they’ve been tested on water system safety, backflow prevention, and seasonal maintenance.
- Certified professionals: Make sure their technicians are certified or trained to handle irrigation and lighting systems.
- Backflow compliance: If they can’t provide proof of backflow testing and repair experience, walk away. Frozen backflow devices can leak gallons of water before you even notice.
Do They Offer System Maintenance and Warranties?
Freeze protection isn’t a one-time thing — it’s part of your yearly irrigation service.
- System maintenance: A reliable company will check your pipes, sprinkler heads, and controller before winter hits.
- Warranty and seasonal service: Contractors who believe in their work will back it up with a warranty or seasonal service plan.
- Troubleshooting and repairs: They should handle leaks, low pressure, and faulty valves before they become frozen disasters.
We recently repaired a lawn sprinkler system in the Triangle area that froze last year because a previous contractor skipped the blows out step. The customer’s water bill tripled — not fun!
Do They Understand Your Outdoor Setup?
Every residential property is different. Your contractor should ask about:
- Drainage – Poor drainage can make frozen spots worse.
- Outdoor lighting – Wires near pipes need protection, too.
- Lawn layout – Sloped yards and shaded areas freeze faster than sunny ones.
At Water Works Unlimited, Inc., we handle irrigation and lighting services together. We check your outdoor lighting setup during system maintenance to make sure nothing interferes with your winter protection plan.
How Can You Be Sure They’re the Right Fit?
Here’s a quick checklist you can use before hiring:
- They explain how freezing affects irrigation systems.
- They include winterization in their irrigation service.
- They’re licensed in NC and know backflow testing rules.
- They discuss system maintenance, warranty, and follow-ups.
- They mention brands like Rain Bird, Toro, or Irritrol confidently.
If they can’t talk about any of these — move on. A real irrigation specialist doesn’t just install; they protect your system for every season.
Frequently Asked Questions About How You Verify That the Contractor in Raleigh, NC
1. Can I skip winterizing my irrigation system in Raleigh, NC?
No. Even one night of freezing can cause pipes or sprinkler heads to crack. Winterizing keeps your system safe and saves on repair costs.
2. Should my contractor have a North Carolina irrigation license?
Yes. Licensed contractors know the local codes and have the training to handle backflow testing and system installations safely.
3. Can I blows out my irrigation system myself?
Technically, yes, but it’s risky. Without the right air pressure and equipment, you can damage pipes or sprinkler heads. Always let a certified technician handle it.
Conclusion
Winter in Raleigh, NC, may not seem brutal, but one bad freeze can ruin your sprinkler system if it’s not prepared. Don’t trust your irrigation setup to anyone who doesn’t understand local freeze risks or system protection. Go with certified technicians who actually work in this area and care about keeping your lawn healthy all year long.
At Water Works Unlimited, Inc., we serve Raleigh, Cary, and the Triangle with trusted irrigation and lighting services. From winterization and drainage checks to lawn sprinkler repair and new system installations, our certified professionals handle it all.
As spring approaches, many homeowners feel confident doing their own system startup — but before you do, it’s worth reading Think You Can Handle Spring Startup Alone to learn why a professional touch can make all the difference.
Proper spring sprinkler startup isn’t just routine maintenance — it’s the foundation for a lush, healthy lawn all season long. Call us today at (919) 570-7808 to book your sprinkler startup.
