Helpful Information
As the first freeze of the season approaches, it’s time for homeowners to think about winterizing their sprinkler system. Skipping this important maintenance step can lead to cracked pipes, broken backflow preventers, and expensive repairs. When water freezes, it expands, and in your irrigation system, this expansion can damage key components that are costly to replace.
With a little preparation, you can protect your sprinkler system and enjoy a smooth start to the next watering season. Here’s a step-by-step guide to winterizing your system, along with pro tips and common pitfalls to avoid.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
The first step in winterizing your irrigation system is turning off the water.
- Locate the main shut-off valve for your sprinkler system. This is typically near the street in an outdoor valve box. In northern climates, it may be found in the basement or garage.
- Turn the valve to the “off” position to stop water flow.
Pro Tip: Take a photo, label the valve, or attach a tag so it’s easy to locate later—or for someone else in case of an emergency.
Step 2: Turn Off the Controller/Timer
Your irrigation controller or timer should also be turned off during winterization.
- Switch the controller to “off”.
- This prevents electrical current from reaching the valves, which reduces wear on the actuators.
Turning off the system now helps avoid unnecessary electrical stress and keeps your equipment in better condition over the winter months.
Step 3: Relieve Pressure in the System
Next, you need to release any built-up pressure in your pipes.
- Open a manual drain valve if your system has one.
- Alternatively, open a test port on the backflow preventer to relieve pressure.
This step ensures that water won’t remain trapped in the lines, which can expand and cause cracks when freezing temperatures arrive.
Step 4: Drain or Remove the Backflow Preventer
One of the most commonly missed steps, and one of the most expensive components to replace, is the backflow preventer.
- Locate your backflow preventer near the water meter or where your irrigation system connects to the home’s supply.
- Use the small flat-head test cocks to slowly open each port and let water trickle out until fully drained.
Pro Tip: Leave brass ball valves at a 45-degree angle to allow any trapped water to escape. If you have unions installed, consider removing and storing the backflow preventer in a heated area until spring for maximum protection.
Step 5: Drain the Lines
The method for draining irrigation lines depends on your climate.
- Southern climates: Open manual drain valves at the lowest points of your system and let water run out completely.
- Northern climates: Use the blow-out method with an air compressor to push remaining water out of the system.
After draining, it’s wise to wrap the backflow preventer and any above-ground piping with insulation sleeves or heavy foam covers. Weatherproof covers for backflow preventers provide additional protection against harsh temperatures.
Pro Tip: Properly draining and storing backflow preventers or exposed valves can prevent freeze damage entirely, saving hundreds of dollars in potential repairs.
Pro Tips & Common Pitfalls to Avoid
To ensure effective winterization, keep these pro tips and common mistakes in mind:
Pro Tips:
- Schedule winterization before the first hard freeze, typically late October to early November in Central Texas.
- Take photos or label key valves for quick reference.
Common Pitfalls:
- Forgetting to drain the backflow preventer (the #1 freeze-damage failure).
- Using excessive air pressure during blow-outs, which can damage the system.
- Leaving the controller “on,” causing electrical wear.
- Not insulating exposed brass valves or above-ground piping.
Avoiding these mistakes helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your irrigation system in top shape for spring.
Protect Your Sprinkler System and Your Wallet
Winterizing your sprinkler system is a simple, essential step that can save you hundreds, or even thousands, of dollars in repairs come spring. A properly winterized system protects your pipes, backflow preventer, and other critical components from freeze damage.
Taking an hour to follow these steps now can ensure your irrigation system is ready to perform perfectly when warmer weather returns.
Need help winterizing your sprinkler system? Trust the experts at American Irrigation Repair to safely winterize your system and prevent costly freeze damage. Contact us today to schedule a professional service.
