How to Winterize a Sprinkler System

It's important to winterize your sprinkler system to avoid any potential problems. If water is left in the pipes, it could freeze and burst, causing a leak. It is especially important to winterize your sprinkler system if you live in a colder climate. There are three ways to winterize your sprinkler system.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Manual Drain Method

1. Turn off the water supply at the main valve, and open the manual drain valves.

2. Open the drain on the stop and waste valve and let the rest of the water drain.

3. Make sure you open the test cocks on the back flow instrument to let the water drain out.

4. Close the manual valves when all the water has been drained out.

Automatic Drain Method

5. Shut off the water supply and relieve the water system pressure to drain the water from the mainline.

6. Open the boiler drain once the water is out of the mainline. Drain the rest of the water that is caught between the shut off valve and back flow instrument.

7. Make sure you open the test cocks on the back flow instrument to let the water drain out.

Air Compressor Method

8. Rent an air compressor from your local equipment rental place.

9. Shut off the main water supply.

10. Attach the compressor with a connector, such as a quick coupler or hose bib to the mainline.

11. Make sure you open the test cocks on the back flow instrument to let the water drain out.

12. Open the compressor valve slowly and gradually start the airflow into the system. Make sure the air pressure stays at 50 pounds per square inch.

13. Increase the air pressure if the sprinkler heads don't pop up. Never allow the air pressure to get above 80 psi.

14. Turn off the air compressor when the lines are dry.

15. Leave the isolation valves open about half way, and leave the test cocks open all the way.

Tips & Warnings

• It is possible to do it yourself, but it is not recommended. Get a licensed contractor to winterize your sprinkler system with this method.
• Don't keep forcing air through the pipes when the water is drained; it could damage your pipes.

[iamageniuster]

on 10/20/2008 Great tips. Thanks for sharing. 5 stars!

[vikki9]

on 10/20/2008 This is great information for those who live in the freezing-cold. Thank you. (I like the new format of this article.)