Winterizing Your Irrigation System: A Step-by-Step Guide

Protect Your Sprinkler System from Freeze Damage

As temperatures drop, preparing your home's irrigation system for winter is essential to avoid costly repairs come spring. The goal is simple: remove as much water as possible from the pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads before the first hard freeze.

DIY Drainage Method

1. Shut off the water supply. Locate the main valve that feeds your irrigation system and turn it off completely.
2. Run the timer through all cycles. Set your controller to run each zone in its normal sequence. This allows water to drain out through the lowest sprinkler heads.
3. Let gravity do the work. Most of the water will exit the system naturally. Any residual water left in the pipes will not be under pressure, reducing the risk of freeze expansion.

Professional Winterization

For added peace of mind, consider a maintenance contract with a licensed irrigation contractor. They typically:

• Inspect and adjust all sprinkler heads before draining.
• Use compressed air to blow out every drop of remaining water.
• Re-check the system in spring to ensure everything operates correctly.

Whether you handle it yourself or hire a pro, winterizing your irrigation system is a small investment that prevents major headaches later.