Avoid a cold weather emergency with these tips.
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As the weather outside becomes cooler, itstime to winterizeyour sprinkler system.
Ahead, experts share how to winterize your sprinkler system.
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Shut off the main water valve, usually near your water meter.
If you have any backflow prevention valves, youll also need to turn those off.
For above-ground systems, its best to remove them and store them indoors during the winter months.
Turn Off the Timer
If your sprinkler system is on a timing system, shut it down.
Power down your sprinkler system, making sure that you dont lose the regular configs.
If your system has a rain mode, switch to that mode.
It may require manual draining, automatic draining, or blow-out draining.
Check your user manual for specific instructions on how to drain your system.
Ensure air vents and drain outlets are not blocked.
Insulate components like backflow preventers, valves, and exposed pipes, Lamprey says.
A professional can find and address any issues with your sprinkler system and prepare it for winter.
For homeowners, hiring a professional to winterize your sprinkler system is highly recommended, Lamprey says.
Professionals have the proper training, tools, and antifreeze chemicals to fully and safely winterize a system."
They can also spot any existing issues to repair before freezing temperatures hit.
Winterizing a sprinkler system yourself requires knowledge of plumbing and irrigation that the average homeowner may not have.
