How to Winterize a Lake-Fed Irrigation System

DIY Winterization for Lake-Fed Sprinkler Systems

If you've recently moved into a home with an irrigation system fed from a lake, winterizing it yourself is straightforward if you follow these steps. This guide assumes you live in a region with freezing winters.

Step-by-Step Winterization

1. Turn off the controller – Disable all programmed watering cycles.
2. Shut off all water supply valves – Isolate the system from the lake supply.
3. Isolate and drain the pump – Locate the drain plug on the pump and remove it to let water out.
4. Manually open each irrigation valve – Use the manual bleed or solenoid to open valves, allowing water to drain from the lines through the sprinkler heads.
5. Open any end-of-system drains – If your system has dedicated drain valves, open them as well.

No antifreeze is needed for irrigation lines; thorough draining is sufficient. If you're unsure about any step, consult a local irrigation professional.