When cold weather hits, failing to winterize your irrigation system can lead to cracked pipes, damaged valves, and expensive repairs. To get your irrigation system ready for winter, shut off the water supply, drain all water from the pipes, protect exposed components like the backflow preventer, and power down the system’s controller. Do this before the first freeze to save time and money in the spring.
Frozen Pipes, Busted Valves, and How to Avoid Them
Your irrigation system isn’t built to handle freezing temperatures. When water is left inside and it freezes, it expands. That pressure can burst fittings, crack pipes, or destroy your backflow preventer. Even underground parts are at risk if they’re not drained correctly.
Freezing damage is common but entirely avoidable. Winterizing clears out any leftover water and protects vulnerable components so your system works perfectly when the weather warms up.
Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply
First, shut off the main water valve to your irrigation system. You’ll usually find it near the home’s water meter or in a valve box outside.
- Look for a lever or gate valve labeled for irrigation.
- If it’s hard to locate, trace your irrigation piping backward from the controller.
Step 2 – Drain the System Completely
There are three ways to drain your system depending on how it was installed:
Manual drain method:
- Open all manual drain valves at low points and ends of each zone.
- Let gravity remove the water.
- Don’t forget any piping near the backflow preventer.
Automatic drain method:
- These open on their own when water pressure drops after the supply is shut off.
- Use the controller to activate each zone briefly and push out any remaining water.
Blow-out method (most thorough):
- Rent or use an air compressor rated for 50–80 PSI.
- Connect the compressor to the system’s blow-out port with the correct adapter.
- Turn on one zone at a time with the controller.
- Watch each sprinkler head. When only air comes out, switch to the next zone.
- Never exceed 80 PSI or run all zones at once to avoid damage.
Step 3: Insulate and Protect Exposed Components
Above-ground pipes, valves, and the backflow preventer are the most vulnerable. Freezing can easily crack these parts. To prevent this:
- Wrap any exposed piping in foam insulation sleeves.
- Cover the backflow preventer with an insulated pouch, or wrap it with foam and weatherproof tape.
- If possible, remove the backflow preventer and store it indoors.
- Turn the ball valves on the backflow preventer to a 45-degree angle. This lets trapped water escape and reduces pressure buildup.
Step 4: Power Down the Controller and Inspect Your System
Once you’ve drained and insulated the system, go to your controller.
- Set it to “Off” or “Rain Mode” to stop watering without erasing your schedule.
- Don’t unplug it unless the manual recommends it.
- Reopen any valves closed during draining.
- Disconnect hoses and attachments.
- If your sprinkler heads have check valves, pull them up to release any leftover water.
- Walk the yard and double-check that all zones were cleared.
How T&C Outdoor Specialists Can Help You
If you’d rather skip the hassle of compressors and valves, T&C Outdoor Specialists is here for you. We professionally winterize irrigation systems across the region. Whether it’s a simple manual setup or a multi-zone system with advanced controls, we’ve got it handled.
We don’t just clear out your system. We help extend its life and make sure it’s ready to run smoothly when spring returns. Homeowners and property managers rely on us for one-time service or as part of a complete maintenance plan.
Get Your Irrigation System Ready Before the Freeze
If winter’s getting close and your system’s still full of water, now’s the time to act. A quick winterization can prevent major damage. Contact us to schedule your service. Serving customers throughout the region and surrounding areas; we’re here to help protect your system and keep your landscape in top shape year-round.
