How to Winterize your Sprinkler System

Seasonal Outdoor Tips

December 11, 2023

As the autumn leaves start to fall and winter is on the horizon, it’s essential to start thinking about winterizing your irrigation system. But what does ‘winterization’ really mean? Simply put, it’s the process of protecting your irrigation system from potential freeze damage, particularly in regions where frost levels extend below the depth of the system. By winterizing, you can prevent freezing damage and avoid costly springtime repairs.

What does “winterizing you irrigation system” mean?

Winterizing your irrigation system involves taking steps to protect it from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures.

This process is essential in regions where the frost level reaches below the depth of the irrigation system. By winterizing, you can prevent damage from freezing and avoid costly repairs in the spring ¹.

The key steps to winterize your irrigation system are pretty simple. It includes shutting off the water supply, insulating the main shut off valve and above-ground piping, and draining the water from the pipes to prevent freezing and damage ².

There are different methods for draining the leftover water from your sprinkler or irrigation system, such as the manual drain, automatic drain, and blow-out methods, depending on the type of irrigation system you have in place. If you’re not comfortable winterizing your irrigation system on your own, you can hire a local landscaping company to do it for you ³. Making sure your irrigation system is properly maintained to handle any cold weather will avoid potential damage caused by freezing temperatures.

Signs your irrigation system needs to be winterized

Some signs that your irrigation system needs to be winterized include:

Approaching winter: It’s best to aim for the middle of fall between October 1st and Thanksgiving to winterize your irrigation system. You want to have it winterized before the first hard freeze of the season, which is when the temperatures drop below 28 degrees or below and stay there for more than a couple of hours.
Risk of freezing: If winter is approaching and the temperatures are expected to drop below freezing, it’s a sign that your irrigation system needs to be winterized to prevent potential damage caused by freezing temperatures.
System not in use: If you’re done watering for the year, it’s a good time to winterize your irrigation system. Simply draining the system and shutting it down when you’re done watering for the year can help prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to winterize your irrigation system to avoid potential damage caused by freezing temperatures.

Steps To Winterize Your Irrigation System

To winterize an irrigation system, you can follow these general steps:

Shut off the water supply: The main shut off valve for your irrigation system needs to be protected against freezing. Insulate it with foam insulation tape and a plastic bag. If you have an automatic system, shut down the controller or use the “rain mode” to shut off the signals to the valves. If the controller is responsible for activating a pump, remove the wires connected to the Master Valve and common terminals1.
Drain the pipes: There are three basic methods for draining leftover water from your sprinkler or irrigation system: manual drain, automatic drain, and blow-out. The method you use depends on the type of irrigation system you have in place. If you’re not sure, or don’t feel comfortable winterizing yourself, you can contact a professional for help 3⁴.
Air blowout method (optional): Most lawn sprinkler developers recommend the air blowout system to winterize an irrigation system. Forcing air through the valves, pipes, and sprinkler heads completely rids the system of water. If you’re a DIY’er, you’ll need an air compressor that’s able to put out the right air volume and pressure at the same time 2.

If you’re not comfortable with the process, you can always hire a professional outdoor living company to winterize your irrigation system 3⁵.

The best time of year to winterize your irrigation system

The best time to winterize your irrigation system in Dallas, TX is typically in the middle of fall, between October 1st and beginning of December. It’s important to aim for this timeframe to ensure that your system is winterized before the first hard freeze of the season, which is when the temperatures drop below 28 degrees and stay there for more than a couple of hours⁶.

This timing allows you to protect your system from potential damage caused by freezing temperatures. If you’re not comfortable with the process, you can always hire a professional landscaper to winterize your irrigation system for you ⁷.

Common problems if your irrigation system is not winterized

If your irrigation system is not winterized, several common problems can occur, including:

Cracked or broken pipes: When water is left in the pipes and freezes, it can expand and cause the pipes to crack or break, leading to leaks and water damage. ⁸
Damage to fittings and valves: Freezing water can also cause damage to the fittings, valves, and backflow devices of the irrigation system, potentially leading to costly repairs or replacements. ⁹
Broken sprinkler heads: Water freezing in the sprinkler heads can cause them to break under the pressure, resulting in the need for replacements.
Leaks and low water pressure: If the system is not winterized and water is left in the lines, it can freeze, expand, and then damage or crack the pipes, leading to leaks and low water pressure.¹⁰
Inoperable system in the spring: Failing to winterize the system can result in a system that is inoperable or requires extensive repairs in the spring, causing inconvenience and additional costs.

It’s important to winterize your irrigation system to prevent these potential problems and avoid costly repairs.

Seeking Professional Help for Winterization

In certain cases, especially for complex irrigation system installation, seeking professional help for winterizing may be the best course of action.

Professional assistance ensures thorough and proper winterization, offering peace of mind and ensuring the protection and longevity of the irrigation system. By enlisting the help of professionals, you can be sure your irrigation system is adequately prepared for the colder months, ultimately protecting their investment and minimizing the risk of damage caused by freezing temperatures.

When and why it’s best to contact a professional for help with winterizing, especially for complex or extensive irrigation systems, is essential for ensuring thorough and proper winterization for system protection.

By recognizing the benefits of professional landscaping assistance for this maintenance task, individuals can ensure that their irrigation system is adequately prepared for the colder months, ultimately protecting their investment and minimizing the risk of damage caused by freezing temperatures.