Your Sprinkler System Has One Last Job Before Winter

Utah winters have a way of reminding us how important it is to prepare our homes for freezing temperatures. We tend to think about furnaces, drafty windows, and frozen hose bibs, but there’s another part of the property that deserves attention before the cold sets in: your irrigation system.

Your sprinklers may be done for the season, but the work isn’t quite finished. Water left inside irrigation pipes, valves, or backflow preventers can freeze, expand, and cause cracks or other damage. You might not discover the problem until you turn everything back on next spring, when a simple winter chore can turn into an unexpected repair bill.

The good news? A little preparation now can help protect your system through the winter.

1. Shut Off the Irrigation Water Supply

Start by locating the main shutoff valve that supplies water to your irrigation system. Turn it off before draining the system.

Keep in mind that shutting off the water is only the first step. Water can remain inside the pipes and components even after the supply is off, so you'll still need to deal with what's left behind.

2. Release Pressure and Drain the Lines

Once the supply is shut off, the system needs to be depressurized and drained. Depending on how your irrigation system was installed, it may have manual drain valves, automatic drain valves, or other components designed to help remove excess water.

Follow the instructions for your particular system. Not every setup drains the same way, and opening the wrong valves or skipping a step can leave water where you don't want it.

3. Have the Lines Blown Out if Needed

Some irrigation systems require a compressed-air blowout to clear water from the pipes and sprinkler lines. This is a common winterization method in colder climates like Utah, but it needs to be done correctly.

Using too much pressure or the wrong equipment can damage sprinkler heads, valves, and other components. If you're unsure how to do it safely, hiring an irrigation professional is a smart choice. It's better to have the system winterized properly than to risk damaging it while trying to save a little time.

4. Don't Forget the Backflow Preventer

Your backflow preventer is another important part of the system. It helps keep irrigation water from flowing backward into the clean water supply, and it can be vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

Check the manufacturer's instructions for your specific model to determine how it should be drained and protected. Simply covering it may not be enough if water remains inside. If you're having a professional winterize your irrigation system, make sure this component is included in the process.

When Should You Winterize Your Sprinklers?

In the Salt Lake Valley, it's best to plan ahead rather than wait for the first hard freeze to show up in the forecast. The exact timing varies from year to year, so keep an eye on temperatures and arrange service before freezing weather becomes a concern.

If your sprinklers are no longer needed for the season, that's a good reason to start planning now.

A Little Preparation Goes a Long Way

Winterizing your irrigation system may not be the most exciting item on your fall to-do list, but it can make a real difference when spring arrives. Taking the time to shut off the supply, release pressure, and properly drain or blow out the lines helps reduce the risk of freeze damage.

And if you're not sure which steps your system needs, don't guess. A qualified irrigation professional can help make sure everything is ready for winter.

Your lawn may be taking a break, but your sprinkler system still has one last job to do!

Have a home-maintenance question you'd like us to cover? Let us know. We're always happy to help you take better care of your home.