How to Winterize a Sprinkler System

Now that the temperatures will drop soon, every homeowner needs to prepare their sprinkler system for winter. If you don’t properly winterize your irrigation or sprinkler system, the remaining water inside can freeze, expand, and damage your equipment. This includes your pipes, sprinkler heads, and valves. This can lead to expensive repairs that are easily avoidable with a few preventative steps. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to winterize your sprinkler system, including the blowout method and manual draining.

Why Winterizing Your Sprinkler System is Important

Winterizing your sprinkler system is important if you live in regions where temperatures drop below freezing. Here are some of the basic reasons why it is important that you have to winterize your sprinkler system:

• Saves Money: By winterizing, you avoid the expense of replacing broken parts and the potential for higher water bills due to leaks.
• Prevents Pipe Damage: Winterizing your sprinkler system is crucial because water expands during cold weather, which can cause pipes to crack or burst, leading to costly repairs.

• Protects Sprinkler Heads: Sprinkler heads can also be damaged by freezing water, so winterizing helps maintain the integrity of the entire system
• Extends System Life: Proper winterization and maintenance of your sprinkler and irrigation system can extend their lifespan, ensuring they remain effective for future seasons.
• Prevents Rust and Corrosion: Taking steps to winterize your system can also prevent rust and corrosion of its components.

Tools and Materials Needed

Before you start any DIY project, it’s important to gather all the tools and materials you'll need for the project. Here’s what you’ll need for winterizing a sprinkler system:

1. Air Compressor: This is essential if you’re using the blowout method to clear out water from your sprinkler lines. Make sure it has the right air pressure (PSI) and cubic feet per minute (CFM) capacity for your system.
2. Coupler and Adapter: These help you connect the air compressor to your sprinkler system. Be sure to have the correct size for your setup.
3. Main Shut-Off Valve Key or Wrench: You’ll need this to turn off the water supply to the sprinkler system. This is often located near your water meter or in the basement.
4. Insulation Tape or Covers: These are used to protect exposed pipes, backflow preventers, and valves from freezing.
5. Eye Protection: Safety is important, especially when using compressed air to blow out water. Make sure to wear safety goggles or glasses.
6. Gloves: It’s always a good idea to wear gloves when working with tools and cold water.

Step-by-Step Guide to Winterizing Your Sprinkler System

Now that you have your tools ready, it is time to winterize your sprinkler system properly. Here’s what you need to do:

Shut Down the Water Supply

The first step in winterizing your sprinkler system is to turn off the water supply to your sprinkler system. Locate the main shut-off valve, which is typically near your water meter or in your basement. Once the water is shut down, open the hose bib or drain valve near the shut-off point to release any water left in the pipes.

Drain the Water from the Sprinkler System

Once the water is shut off, you’ll need to drain the water from the system. There are three common methods for this:

• Manual Drain Method: Open the manual drain valves located at low points in the system. This allows water to flow out naturally. Make sure to check all zones for remaining water.
• Automatic Drain Method: If your system has automatic drain valves, they usually are activated when the water pressure drops. If you have this type of system make sure you confirm that these valves are functioning correctly to ensure all water is removed.
• Blowout Method: The blowout method is probably the most effective for systems without drain valves or in a colder climate region. Attach a coupler to your sprinkler line using an air compressor and slowly increase the air pressure. Start with the zone farthest from the compressor, and use compressed air to force water out of the pipes, sprinkler heads, and backflow preventers. Be cautious not to exceed the recommended PSI to avoid damaging the system.

Insulate Exposed Pipes and Backflow Preventer

Now that the water is drained, it is time to protect any exposed parts of your sprinkler system from freezing temperatures. You can wrap backflow devices, exposed piping, and sprinkler heads with insulation tape or covers. This step is a must if you live in an area with harsh winters.

Special Considerations for Different Systems

While the above-mentioned basic steps to winterize a sprinkler system are similar for most designs, there are some other things to keep in mind depending on your system and where you live. These additional considerations will help ensure that your irrigation system is fully prepared for the winter season.

1. Adjust Your Sprinkler Controller

If you have a sprinkler controller, such as a Rain Bird, make sure to switch it off or change it to rain mode or the system’s designated winter setting. This prevents the system from running automatically while the water is shut off. You don’t want your system attempting to operate during the winter months when the pipes are empty, as this can cause unnecessary wear.

2. Handling Low Points in the System

Water tends to collect in low points of the sprinkler system. If your yard has areas that are lower than others, pay extra attention to these zones. Be sure to drain or blow out any remaining water from these sections, as they are more likely to freeze and cause damage.

3. Different Piping Materials

If your system uses PVC piping, it is more susceptible to freezing and cracking than polyethylene piping. Make sure to follow the blowout method or use a manual drain to clear all water from the system. If you’re unsure about your pipe material, check your system’s manual or consult a professional before starting.

4. Colder Climates

In particularly cold regions, where temperatures remain below freezing for extended periods, it’s especially important to use the blowout method. In these areas, manual drain valves may not be enough to remove all the water from the system. Be sure to use an air compressor with the proper air pressure and CFM to force any trapped water out.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Winterizing your sprinkler system is a fairly straightforward process, but there are a few common mistakes that can lead to costly repairs or damage. To help you avoid these pitfalls, here are some of the most frequent errors homeowners make when preparing their irrigation systems for winter.

1. Forgetting to Shut Off the Water Supply

One of the biggest mistakes is forgetting to turn off the main shut-off valve before beginning the winterizing process. Leaving the water supply on can allow more water to enter the system, increasing the risk of freezing and damaging your sprinkler heads, pipes, and backflow preventers. Always double-check that the water is fully turned off before moving forward.

2. Not Fully Draining the System

If water remains in the pipes, even a small amount can freeze, expand, and cause cracks in PVC piping or polyethylene piping. This is especially true in low points of the system, where water tends to collect. Make sure you thoroughly drain all zones using the manual drain, automatic drain, or blowout method. Skipping over any zone can lead to damage, so take the time to drain every part of the system.

3. Using Too Much Air Pressure During Blowout

When using the blowout method, it’s crucial to use the correct air pressure. Setting your air compressor to too high a pressure can damage your sprinkler system. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for PSI and CFM to avoid over-pressurizing the system. Typically, 40-50 PSI is enough for most home sprinkler systems, and higher pressure can cause the pipes or sprinkler heads to crack.

4. Overlooking Exposed Components

It’s easy to forget about exposed parts of the system, such as backflow valves, hose bibs, and sprinkler heads. These areas are especially vulnerable to freezing, so it’s important to wrap them with insulation tape or protective covers. Proper insulation helps prevent freezing, especially in cold climates where temperatures can drop significantly.

5. Ignoring the Sprinkler Controller

Another common mistake is leaving the sprinkler controller active during the winter. While the system may be drained, the controller can still try to run the sprinklers. Be sure to switch the controller to rain mode or turn it off completely to avoid unnecessary wear on your system.

Post-Winterizing Maintenance Tips

After you’ve completed the winterization process, it’s important to check on your system and make sure everything is in good condition for the spring. Here are a few maintenance tips to keep in mind:

1. Check for Leaks

Once winter is over and temperatures rise, inspect your sprinkler system for any leaks or signs of damage. Look for puddles around your system and check for any broken sprinkler heads or cracks in the pipes.

2. Inspect the Backflow Preventer

Ensure that your backflow preventer is still intact and functioning properly. Inspect it for any signs of damage or leaks, as this component is crucial for preventing contamination of your water supply.

3. Prepare for Spring Startup

When the weather warms up, start preparing your system for use. Check that the manual drain valves are closed, and turn the main shut-off valve back on. Run the system in rain mode or test each zone to ensure everything is working properly.

4. Clear Any Debris

Remove any leaves, dirt, or debris from the sprinkler heads and around the system. This helps prevent blockages and ensures that water flows smoothly when the system is reactivated.

5. Check Controller Settings

Review the settings on your sprinkler controller. Make any necessary adjustments for the new season, including watering schedules and zone settings.

Conclusion

Properly winterizing your sprinkler system is essential for avoiding damage and costly repairs. By shutting off the water supply, draining the system thoroughly, and insulating exposed components, you can protect your irrigation system from freezing temperatures. Whether you choose to handle it yourself or hire a professional, taking these steps ensures that your system will be ready to go when spring arrives.

Remember to check for leaks, inspect your backflow preventer, and clear any debris before you start using your system again. With a little preparation, you’ll be able to enjoy a well-maintained sprinkler system throughout the growing season.

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