How to Winterize a Sprinkler System

Unfortunately I live in the north and we need to winterize our sprinkler system so the valves, lines and sprinkler heads don’t freeze and crack. Many of my neighbors pay a service to have this done. It’s not a bad alternative especially if you hire a reliable established business. They often times guarantee their work, if there is a problem in the spring they’ll repair it if their winterizing was at fault.

I’ve been winterizing my system myself for years. It’s not hard but you will need a compressor and some quick disconnect air compressor fittings which you can get at any home improvement store.

Here are the steps I follow to Winterize my Sprinkler System:

• If you haven’t already, install quick disconnects in you back flow valve for the compressor connection.
• Turn off the water supply valve to your sprinkler system.
• Set your sprinkler system controller to your first zone.
• Turn on your air compressor to fill the tank with air.
• Connect the quick disconnect on the compressor to the fitting on the sprinkler system check valve.
• Turn the screw valve on the fitting to start compressed air flow into your first zone.
• Water should spray from your sprinkler heads.
• Repeat the process for each of the zones in your sprinkler system.

You may want to double check and make sure the main line shutoff valve actually shuts off. I have problems where a slow drip can fill the line on the outside of the house, freeze and crack the pipes.