Winter is coming, and the risk of frozen water lines and broken sprinklers comes with it. If you don’t shut off your irrigation system correctly, the result could be very expensive. 

Here's how to winterize your sprinkler system to handle the cold weather!

How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System

Winterizing your sprinkler system is essential for protecting it from cold weather. You can save your system from freezing and bursting by following a few simple tips.

Identify The Valves

You first need to identify the valves you will need to turn off/on to winterize your irrigation system. 

• Back Pressure Valve - this valve is above ground and legally is on every property. 

• Valve Boxes - these boxes are usually covered with a large (GREEN) rectangular flat top and are located flush with the ground. Here is where you will find the sprinkler valves. 

• Drain Valves/Irrigation Activation Valves - these valves are the main valves for the irrigation system and the house main valve

Turn Off The Water

The next step in preparing your sprinkler system for winter is to turn off the water. You can do this by turning off the main irrigation activation valves. Remember the old saying, “righty tighty, lefty loosey.” You will turn the water off by turning clockwise (righty tight). 

After turning off the main irrigation activation valves, confirm that you have not turned off the house main water line by going inside your home and confirming you still have full water pressure inside. 

Open Drain Valves

After turning off the water in your irrigation system, you will need to drain the water left in the system. Identify the drain valves and turn the valve “lefty loosey” (counterclockwise) to allow water to drain out.

Check Sprinkler Valve Boxes

Here you will want to turn the “bleeder screws” on each of the sprinkler valves ½ turn counterclockwise “lefty loosey” and open up any additional drain valves that might be in the green irrigation box we mentioned earlier “lefty loosey” as well. 

Turn Off The Timer

After shutting off the water, you will want to turn off the sprinkler system’s timer.  If your system has an automatic timer, switch it to “rain mode.” This will allow you to save your settings for the spring when you turn the system back on.

If you don’t have a rain mode, switch the system off entirely.

Insulate Your System

It is highly recommended to insulate any exposed parts of your system. This can be anything from the main shut-off valves or pipes. You can use foam pipe covers or insulation tape to keep everything protected through the cold winter months. Or get a valve bag cover online or from the big box stores. Be sure not to block any drainage vents or valves.

Call The Professionals

Cory’s Lawn Service can help prepare your lawn for the Nevada winter. Our certified Irrigation Technicians are ready to get your sprinkler system winterized. Contact us today.