The Best Way to get Your Sprinkler System Ready for Winter
There are many advantages to having a lawn sprinkler system for your lawn and yard. A lawn sprinkler system also comes with responsibilities that need to be met to ensure the sprinkler system will run in good condition for several years.
Ready for Winter
One of those big responsibilities is getting your lawn sprinkler system ready for winter. This can be a complicated job and it is strongly recommended that it be handled by a professional. A pro should be able to make sure the sprinkler winterization is done safely and correctly.
So what will a professional do when winterizing the sprinkler system? Here's what goes into the process:
- Water needs to be turned off. Before doing anything else, water to the main valve needs to be shut off. The main valve should be accessible in an area that will not freeze.
- Timers/controllers need to be turned off. Your lawn sprinkler system's timer determines when the sprinkler is turned on and off. Some timers can simply be turned to "rain mode". Other timers need to be shut off completely.
- The backflow preventer will be removed. Once the backflow preventer is removed, it will need to be drained and stored in a safe place.
- Blowing out the sprinkler system. All water needs to be drained from the pipes and valves, otherwise it could freeze. This could cause significant damage to the sprinkler system.
This process is also why it's recommended you call in a professional. An air compressor will be used to blow all water out of the pipes and valves.
When you talk to a professional, use this information as talking points and ask questions to better understand the process.