If you’re a homeowner here in Maryland, you already know our weather keeps you on your toes. One week we’re mowing the lawn in 78° sun, and the next we’re pulling out winter coats because the nights dipped below freezing without warning.
Those temperature swings can be brutal on a sprinkler system.
That’s why one of the most common questions I get—every single year—is:
“Bob, what does it really cost to have TLC handle both my spring sprinkler startup and my fall winterization?”
In this article, I’m going to walk you through:
- What a startup includes
- What winterization includes
- What a full-service, year-round package costs
- What affects the price
- How Maryland weather impacts your sprinkler investment
- Why skipping these services can cost you far more later
- When membership makes more sense than à-la-carte service
- Real examples from right here in our TLC service area
Why Sprinkler Startup and Winterization Matter More in Maryland Than Most Places
Here in the Mid-Atlantic, we get:
- Freeze-thaw cycles
- Sudden temperature drops
- High humidity
- Uneven rainfall
- Long, dry summers
All those conditions mean a sprinkler system takes a beating, even when it’s not turned on.
Your system contains:
- Backflow preventer
- Valves
- Zones
- Pipes
- Spray heads
- Rotor heads
- Drip lines
- Wiring
- Timers
- Pressure regulators
- Manifolds
Each can freeze, crack, clog, or malfunction without proper seasonal prep.
What’s Included in a Professional Spring Sprinkler Startup?
When TLC performs a startup, it includes:
- System pressurization
- Valve testing and electrical check
- Head-by-head inspection
- Controller programming
- Coverage review
- Pressure optimization
- Minor adjustments
- Recommendations only when needed
What’s Included in a Professional Sprinkler Winterization?
Winterization is the most important sprinkler appointment of the year.
We perform:
- System shutdown
- Full drainage of all lines
- Commercial air blowout
- Backflow protection
- Controller shutdown
- Final inspection
So What Does a Full Startup + Winterization Cost?
Startup: $165–$365
Winterization: $165–$565
Full-year package: $330–$930
What Affects the Cost?
- Zone count
- Drip or specialty zones
- Property size
- System age
- Smart systems
Hidden Costs of NOT Doing Startup or Winterization
Skipping service can lead to:
- Cracked backflow preventer ($600–$1200)
- Burst PVC lines ($300–$1,200)
- Valve manifold damage ($450–$950)
- Damaged heads
- Controller issues
Why TLC’s Combined Package Saves Money
- Guaranteed startup
- Guaranteed winterization
- Priority scheduling
- Locked pricing
- No rush fees
Typical package: $330–$930
When Membership Makes Sense
Membership includes:
- Yearly startup
- Yearly winterization
- Preferred scheduling
- Discounts
- Reminders
- Property history
Real TLC Pricing Examples
Example 1: 7 zones — $370/year
Example 2: 10 zones — $470/year
Example 3: 4 zones — $370/year
Example 4: Member plan — $399/year
DIY vs. Professional
DIY attempts often lead to:
- Leaks
- Low pressure
- Non-working zones
- Water hammer
- Cracked backflow
- Frozen lines
When to Schedule
Startup: March–May
Winterization: Oct–Dec
*Priority scheduling for members
Final Thoughts from Bob Carr
Your sprinkler system protects your lawn, your landscaping, your time, and your home’s long-term value.
Proper startup and winterization ensure:
- Better performance
- Fewer repairs
- Longer system lifespan
- More efficient watering
Skipping winterization is the #1 cause of major spring repairs.
If you’d like TLC to handle this—whether once or every year—we’re here to help.