Winterizing Your Sprinkler System

Winter is just around the corner, and that means it’s time to let your take sprinkler system a well-deserved break. Winterizing your sprinkler system will protect the system from being damaged until it’s ready to work again.

Your system should be winterized before the first frost. While you should continue to water your plants during dry spells, your sprinklers should be winterized or else the pipes can expand and burst due to water that wasn't expelled from the system. Before you decide on a date for winterization, check the weather as having it done too soon can mean dried-out sod and seed.

An air compressor needs to be used in order to properly winterize you sprinklers. If the temperature goes below 32 degrees, the system will need to be drained so costly damage isn't done. When the temperature gets really cold and we haven’t come out to winterize your system, follow these steps so your sprinklers aren't damaged:

1. Make sure the main shut-off valve is turned off
2. Remove your outlet drain plug or spigot
3. Turn the valves to a 45-degree angle
4. Take a large towel or blanket and cover the backflow valve and all copper
5. Take a 2-3 gallon bucket or container and put it underneath the drain before opening the drain valve. Close the drain valve once all the water has drained out of the system.
6. Turn on the sprinkler controller and activate your lowest sprinkler zone. This will drain out any remaining water. Turn off the controller.

Click here to get in touch with us to have your system winterized.