Winter may bring beautiful snowy landscapes, but it can be a nightmare for your sprinkler system if it’s not properly prepared. When temperatures drop below freezing, any remaining water in your system can freeze and expand, causing significant damage to pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. This could lead to costly repairs and frustration when you’re ready to use your system again in the spring. The good news? You can avoid these headaches with a simple winterization process. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps needed to protect your system from the cold, ensuring it stays in great shape all season long.
How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System: A Step-by-Step Guide
Why Preparing Your Sprinkler System For The Cold Is Essential
Most of us enjoy the beauty of winter. However, freezing temperatures are the enemy of an unprotected sprinkler system. If you forgot to winterize, you may be in for a rude awakening when everything thaws out in spring. When the remaining water in the pipes freezes, you can expect to navigate system repairs for:
- Blown pipes
- Valves
- Broken sprinkler heads
This comes with a massive headache. Spending a little time winterizing the system before the first freeze can save you all this hassle.
Winterizing the Sprinkler System: Step-by-Step Instructions
Step #1 – Checking for Leaks and Damage Before Winter Sets In
Before winterizing the system, it’s time for a quick inspection to see if everything is in tip-top working order. Prepare for the approaching cold weather by:
- Checking the sprinkler heads for damage and function
- Fix any leaks
- Repair damaged components
No one likes running to the hardware store when it’s freezing outside.
Step #2 – Draining the System: Manual vs. Automatic Methods
First, shut off the water supply at the main valve. Next, you will drain all the water from the system. You may have an automatic or manual draining system. The method of draining depends on the type of irrigation system you have.
Automatic drains are the best and a huge timesaver- with less that can go wrong. You turn a valve, and the system drains the water itself.
Manual systems may require draining the main shut-off valve to stop water flow to the system’s water lines. This will dry things out. It takes time, but it’s relatively simple.
Step #3 – Blowing Out the Sprinkler Lines: Safety Tips and Techniques
Next, it’s time to get the rest of the water out of the lines. Consider hiring a professional for this step. Linking an air compressor into the system and blasting compressed air through it can damage components. The pros have plenty of experience with doing it the right way.
Step #4 – Protecting Above-Ground Components from Freezing
If you have above-ground sprinkler heads, make sure they’re dry or pack them away for the winter. If you have in-ground sprinklers, ensure they’re flush to the ground and operating correctly.
Step #5 – Insulating Valves and Backflow Preventers
Next, insulate the valves and backflow preventer to keep them from freezing and breaking. Use insulation tape around the joints and seals to protect them from the cold.
Step #6 – Prepare Your Sprinkler Timer for the Off-Season
Turn off the sprinkler timer and rain mode sensor. If you live in an area where the ground doesn’t freeze but you don’t need to water your lawn, adjust the timer schedule.
Signs That Your Sprinkler System Needs A Professional
Call the professionals if you have no idea how to maintain your sprinkler system and live in an area where the ground freezes during the winter. Many local landscaping companies offer winterization services. These companies do it right, with guaranteed results.
Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers | Sprinkler System Repairs and Maintenance Omaha, NE
Contact Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers to schedule a free estimate on a system install or to find out what you can do to make your existing system more efficient. We welcome commercial and residential clients. And remember, whether you need our services now… or later in the season, Your Healthy Lawn is Our Passion and we are only a phone call away.