Can a sprinkler system pipe still burst 3 weeks after the freeze? (2013, home)

[ohmanon]

If my home has a sprinkler system that was non-working (and still is) when it was purchased 13 yrs. ago, is it even possible a pipe could burst? It was wrapped prior to the freeze and I never saw any sign of leakage afterward. Now I’m being told I need to call a plumber to make certain because she had friends whose pipes burst; she did not say it was from their sprinkler system. I’m not so sure this is necessary as it’s now almost 3 weeks later – wouldn’t there be some indication if there was a problem? I know nothing about sprinkler systems and now she’s got me worried.

[HookTheBrotherUp]

Originally Posted by ohmanon

If my home has a sprinkler system that was non-working (and still is) when it was purchased 13 yrs. ago, is it even possible a pipe could burst? It was wrapped prior to the freeze and I never saw any sign of leakage afterward. Now I’m being told I need to call a plumber to make certain because she had friends whose pipes burst; she did not say it was from their sprinkler system. I’m not so sure this is necessary as it’s now almost 3 weeks later – wouldn’t there be some indication if there was a problem? I know nothing about sprinkler systems and now she’s got me worried.

Do you see any water collecting on the ground anywhere? If your sprinkler system was busted, and it was pressurized, you'd see a stream of water emanating from where the break was. If you don't, then you most likely have nothing to worry about.

[ohmanon]

No signs at all. I appreciate your opinion agree it's probably fine.

[KerrTown]

The only thing you should be worried about is the back flow preventer. If it's still in good shape, just turn the supply valve off and open the drain valve to purge water out of the system. In your case, it might be a good idea to insulate the supply side pipe and cover the whole thing with a cooler or box to prevent freeze damage.

[ohmanon]

Thank you. I'm going to have a relative check it out for me - this is NOT my area of expertise. I really wrapped it good though and now I'm afraid to touch it, lol.

[mojo101]

how do you wrap sprinkler pipes when they are deep underground?
only the sprinkler head is barely visible above the ground?

[Htown2013]

Backflow preventers suck! The advice to depressurize and drain them is absolute crap! It is much harder for pressurized water to freeze than residual water trapped inside these at ambient pressure that cannot be fully drained, that freezes so much more quickly.

[WRM20]

Originally Posted by Htown2013

Backflow preventers suck! The advice to depressurize and drain them is absolute crap! It is much harder for pressurized water to freeze than residual water trapped inside these at ambient pressure that cannot be fully drained, that freezes so much more quickly.

That's not true at all. If there is residual water left in a pipe, it can freeze without damaging anything. With the temperatures we had and the length of the freeze, a fully pressurized pipe that's exposed will freeze, and the expansion as the water freezes will break things like backflow preventers.

[mojo101]

what about if you keep the water running?