How do you winterize a sprinkler system?

Steps for Winterizing Your Sprinkler System

1. Step 1: Shut Off the Water. It will come as no surprise that the first step is turning off the water to the system with a main valve that's usually found near your water meter. ...
2. Step 2: Turn Off the Timer. ...
3. Step 3: Drain the Water. ...
4. Step 4: Insulate Above-Ground Components.

Can I winterize my own sprinkler system?

Luckily, you can avoid frozen and burst irrigation pipes. To keep your investment functional, make it an annual habit to winterize your irrigation system. Simply drain the system and shut it down when you're done watering for the year.

How do I prepare my sprinkler system for winter?

Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. The main shut off valve for your irrigation system needs to be protected against freezing. Make sure it is wrapped with insulation (foam insulation tape and a plastic bag) to protect it from harsh winter temperatures and prevent it from freezing.

At what temperature should you winterize sprinkler system?

So in order to protect your outdoor piping and sprinkler system, when is the right time to start winterizing? To avoid any possibility of damage, sprinkler lines need to be drained prior to temperatures dipping below 32 degrees Fahrenheit.

What happens if I don't winterize my sprinkler system?

If you forget to winterize your sprinklers, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads. When water freezes, it expands causing the parts of your system to burst and destroying your sprinkler system.

How to Winterize a Sprinkler System - Blow Out Method

Should you leave sprinkler valves open in winter?

Manual valves should be left in the open position throughout winter to prevent repressurization. Some sprinkler heads have both side and bottom pipe inlets. If you use the side inlet, install a drain valve on the bottom inlet to prevent the case from freezing.

How do I winterize my sprinklers without a compressor?

You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone.

When should I turn off my sprinkler system for the winter?

You should shut off your irrigation system just before temperatures in your region begin to dip below freezing at night. Don't shut off your irrigation system too early. Often homeowners shut their systems down as soon as the fall season arrives because they believe that their lawn requires less water.

How much does it cost to winterize an irrigation system?

The cost to winterize or activate a sprinkler system ranges from $53 and $121, or $87 on average. Maintenance during the irrigation season averages about $115, on top of these expenses.To keep your sprinkler system working properly, it must receive regular maintenance from a professional plumber.

How do you winterize a sprinkler system with a backflow preventer?

How To: Winterize Your Sprinkler System

1. STEP 1: Turn off the main water supply and if present, the backflow preventer. ...
2. STEP 2: Drain any water remaining in the irrigation system. ...
3. STEP 3: Open all drain valves. ...
4. STEP 4: Consider hiring a pro (optional, but recommended).

How do you flush an irrigation system?

STEP 2: Flush the system

1. Use a flush cap to flush the system from debris. ...
2. It's easier to pull the riser up before refitting your nozzle/flush cap.
3. Screw on the flush cap.
4. Run for 15-20 seconds.
5. Flush all of your other sprinklers one by one, or with multiple flush caps at one time.

Should I run my sprinklers before a freeze?

It is best to turn on your system during the warmest time of the day when anticipating freezing conditions. Be sure the outside temperature is 37 degrees or above when you run your system. You ABSOLUTELY do not want to run your sprinkler system during a hard freeze as this will cause damage to your irrigation system.

Can I turn on my sprinkler system myself?

Some homeowners count on a lawn service or irrigation contractor to winterize the system in the fall and turn it back on in the spring, but there is no reason to pay for this service, as it's very easy to do yourself in just a matter of minutes.

Should I water my grass during winter?

In warm climates that stay over 40 degrees (where freezing temperatures never occur or are uncommon), lawns stay green and keep growing through the winter. If rainfall is not sufficient, you'll need to water during the winter to maintain a healthy lawn.

How much psi do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?

Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi). Compressor must be capable of delivering 20 to 25 Cubic Feet Per Minute of air volume. Do not run equipment for longer than 1 minute on air.

How do you turn off sprinkler system before freezing?

Temporary Sprinkler System Protection Against an Freeze

1. Step 1: Shut off Water supply to Irrigation System. ...
2. Step 2: Unplug Booster Pump (not installed on all systems) ...
3. Step 3: Run System to Relieve Pressure. ...
4. Step 4: Open Outside Pipe. ...
5. Step 5: Open Outside RPZ Valve.

How long does it take pipes to freeze at 32 degrees?

Pipes can freeze in as little as six to eight hours, meaning they can freeze overnight. If the outside temperature is below 32 degrees F and your pipes are unprotected, your chances for a frozen pipe increase.

Should I flush sprinkler head ground?

Sprinkler heads sit just below or flush with the ground, so a sturdy trowel is typically suitable for digging up the head. Remove the sod or patch of grass around the head carefully so that it can be replaced later.

Can sprinkler lines get clogged?

Inside of your sprinkler system, it is possible for all kinds of dirt and rubble to build up inside the individual parts of the sprinkler. Often small clogs are found inside of the connections of the sprinkler pipes, the sprinkler risers and the sprinkler system nozzles.

Should I remove the backflow preventer for winter?

(Optional) If your backflow preventer was installed with unions you can remove it and store it inside for the winter. After you take it off, make sure you drain the water from both sides, open the test cocks and close the valves ¼ turn. It may also be good to wrap it in a towel or old blanket.

How do you winterize an above ground backflow preventer?

Turn shutoff #1 and shutoff #2 to a 45-degree angle, or the halfway position, to prevent water from being trapped inside. Loosen the bolts on the relief valve cover until all water inside drains. Insulate the system using foam pipe insulation, followed by heavy rubber tape.

What temperature will backflow preventer freeze?

Unfortunately, backflow preventers have precise and integral components that can be easily damaged by the forces of frozen water. Be prepared to protect your backflow preventers when the temperature drops below 32 degrees…or be prepared to repair and replace all the valves in your system.