Winterize sprinklers
Every year on October the 20th
If you live in a cold climate, preparing your sprinkler system for the freezes is essential. If you do not perform this yearly maintenance, be prepared for large repair bills.
Things You'll Need
- Pipe insulation, if your pipes do not already have it.
- Some basic hand tools (screwdrivers, wrench)
Time Involved
30-60 minutes
What You Need to Do
- Turn off or disable the schedules in your sprinkler system timer.
- Shut off the main water valve feeding the sprinkler system.
- Drain the water from the system.
- Your system may have bleeder valves at low points in the system to drain the water. If you are able to locate these, open them and let all the water drain out.
- Some systems will automatically drain the water once you turn off the main water supply. By turning on the sprinklers with the water shut off, these systems will drain themselves. You will need to allow air in through the valves on the solenoids.
- Ensure any above ground components that could still contain water are insulated.
- Mark this task complete.
This is not a task you want to halfway complete. If you are in any doubt about having drained all the water, hirer a professional on a one time basis to teach the ins and outs of your specific system.