How Do I Winterize My Sprinkler System?

Posted on October 9th, 2015

Your sprinkler system protects and nourishes your prized lawn, so it’s only right that you take the necessary steps to protect your sprinkler system itself before the cool weather sets in. Failing to winterize your system properly can lead to costly damage caused by freezing temperatures. While you may feel that it’s too soon to start thinking about winter, autumn is the perfect time to start planning and executing your sprinkler winterization strategy, and here’s how you can begin:

1. Shut off the water supply & insulate. Turning off the water is the very first step, and insulating the shut off valve is the second. You want to make sure that the valve is protected from freezing during the winter months. You should also take care to insulate any exposed or above ground piping and backflow valves.
2. Deactivate the timer. If your system is automated, it’s important that you reconfigure or deactivate the settings so that your sprinkler system doesn’t try to turn on once you’ve winterized it. Don’t worry, as long as you put your controller into “rain mode” all of your programmed data will be saved. Should you choose to cut the power completely you’ll need to reprogram it in the spring.
3. Drain the water. This is arguably the most important step. The whole point of winterizing your sprinkler system is to avoid damage caused by frozen water during the frigid months, which is why draining your system completely is so important. Each sprinkler has its own unique drainage system, so you’ll want to to check which your model has first.
4. Call Turf Unlimited! Winterizing a sprinkler system can be tricky, and damage can be costly if it’s not done correctly. That’s why, if you’re in the Massachusetts or New Hampshire area, we suggest you give us a call and let the professionals handle the hard work.

The sprinkler technicians at Turf Unlimited we take sprinkler systems seriously, provide guaranteed sprinkler installation and maintenance services in Middlesex County MA, Hillsborough County NH, Rockingham County NH & the surrounding areas. Didn’t purchase your system with us? Don’t worry! We service all brands of sprinkler systems, including those we did not initially install.

To learn more about our sprinkler system services, or to schedule your necessary irrigation winterization, call 888-649-9919 today.