It’s cold weather season, so it’s time to start thinking seriously about preparing your home, business, and the systems that keep them running smoothly. Your irrigation system should be on your to-do list. Proper irrigation system winterization is key to preventing damage from freezing temperatures, which can harm pipes and equipment.
You may be wondering, can I winterize my irrigation system myself? The answer is yes! We’ve laid out 10 simple steps that will help you protect your system, preserve your investment, and make spring startup a breeze.
1. Drain and Remove Water from the System
The first step in winterizing your sprinkler system is to remove all water from the pipes. Standing water can freeze, expand, and cause cracking. Use a blowout method with an air compressor, or if your system has a manual drain, open it to let the water out.
Tip: To avoid confusion during reassembly, consider labeling sections with irrigation flag markers or valve tags to ensure you know which areas were drained.
2. Insulate Exposed Pipes
Protecting irrigation pipes from freezing will help avoid costly repairs. Wrap exposed pipes, backflow preventers, and other components with insulating materials.
Tip: Use weather-resistant insulation to ensure maximum durability and wrap securely with waterproof tape to keep moisture out.
3. Shut Off the Water Supply
After draining the system, shut off the main water supply to prevent any water from entering the pipes during the cold winter months. Most irrigation systems have a dedicated valve for this purpose.
Tip: Mark the valve with a valve tag for easy identification, so you can turn it back on without trouble in spring.
4. Check and Winterize the Backflow Preventer
Backflow preventers prevent contamination of your home’s water supply and require special care in winter. Drain and insulate them if they’re exposed to the elements.
Tip: Place an irrigation flag near your backflow preventer to mark it clearly for spring inspection and make sure the insulation is properly secured.
5. Inspect and Clean Components
While you’re preparing, take a moment to inspect all sprinkler heads, valves, and nozzles for debris or damage. This inspection helps avoid clogs and damage when restarting in the spring.
Tip: Use a soft brush to clean nozzles and heads, and if you spot any damage, note it with a valve tag to replace or repair it in the off-season.
6. Adjust and Program the Controller
Turn off the automatic controller on your system to prevent it from running during winter. Some controllers have a “rain” or “off” setting that will prevent unnecessary watering.
Tip: Set a reminder to adjust the controller back on in early spring, ensuring your irrigation schedule is efficient and prevents over-watering when temperatures rise.
7. Winterize Drip Irrigation Systems
Winterizing drip irrigation systems requires extra care. Disconnect all hoses, drain any remaining water, and store them in a dry area. Drip systems can be delicate, so taking time to winterize will prevent splitting and clogging.
Tip: Label your drip irrigation components to make reinstallation easier when the season changes.
8. Cover Outdoor Spigots and Hose Bibs
Exposed spigots and hose bibs should be drained and covered to avoid freezing and splitting. Use insulated covers, available at most home improvement stores, for added protection.
Tip: Label or mark these covers with irrigation flags so you don’t forget to uncover and reattach any hoses or accessories when temperatures warm up.
9. Schedule Maintenance or Professional Services
If you’re unsure how to prepare your irrigation system for winter or don’t have the necessary tools, consider hiring a professional. They’ll follow best practices for irrigation in cold weather to winterize your system safely.
Tip: Scheduling a maintenance check before winter gets too cold can uncover minor issues that can be fixed before the freeze, giving you peace of mind.
10. Plan Ahead for Spring
The final step in winterizing is preparing for a smooth startup in spring. When should I winterize my sprinkler system? Early enough to avoid unexpected freezes but late enough to maximize the watering season.
Tip: Create or save a checklist of steps to winterize lawn sprinkler systems (like this one) and attach it to your controller or place it with your irrigation tools for easy access next season and the constant reminder to stay on top of things!
Taking these steps will ensure your lawn irrigation system remains in top condition. By investing a little time in irrigation winter preparation and sprinkler system maintenance now, you’ll prevent issues and extend the life of your system – giving you peace of mind through the winter and a lush landscape come spring.
Blackburn has many tools to help make irrigation system winterization and general maintenance easier. Check them out!
