How to Winterize Lawn Sprinklers

Winterizing lawn sprinklers protects them from freezing.

Climates that experience freezing can cause damage to lawn sprinklers. This is because water in the sprinklers can freeze, causing them to crack. To protect lawn sprinklers from such damage, they can be winterized. Winterizing lawn sprinklers includes removing them, draining the water out and storing them. It is also advisable to protect any above-ground sprinkler piping with insulation and remove water from underground supply lines in freezing climates. This will help insure the sprinkler system functions correctly in the spring.

Things You'll Need

• Wet/dry vacuum
• Foam insulation
• Sprinkler caps

Instructions

1. Turn off the main water supply to lawn sprinklers. The shut-off valve should be protected from freezing by being placed below the frost line, inside a heated room or being wrapped with insulation.

2. Turn off your sprinkler controller or timer. Disconnecting power to controllers with a pump wired to them will prevent damage from an accidental start.

3. Remove all lawn sprinklers. Drain out the water or vacuum it out with a wet/dry vacuum. Store the sprinklers for the winter.

4. Insulate any above-ground sprinkler lines by wrapping each pipe with self-sticking foam insulating tape or foam-insulating tubes.

5. Disconnect the sprinkler system's backflow preventer and valves. Remove any water by draining or vacuuming it out. Store the devices for the winter.

6. Remove the water from underground supply lines with the wet/dry vacuum. Vacuum the water out at each sprinkler riser or remove the riser and extract the water directly out of the supply line. Since this process can take a while, an alternative method is to blow out the water. It is recommended you hire a professional for this method, as you can damage your sprinkler lines.

7. Cap all risers and any other open ends of pipe. Use threaded caps where possible to allow for easy removal and re-installation of sprinkler devices.

Tips & Warnings

• Drain valves can also be installed to remove water from underground sprinkler lines. You will need to install a drain valve for each lateral section of pipe. About 1/4 inch per foot of slope is needed to drain the underground lines efficiently.

• Ready-made insulation blankets for valves and backflow preventers can be found at sprinkler supply stores.

References

• Irrigation Tutorials: Winterizing Your Irrigation System