How to Drain Your Sprinkler System for Winter: A Complete Guide
As the temperatures start to dip, it’s time to prepare your sprinkler system for the cold weather. Freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to sprinkler components, leading to expensive repairs and headaches come spring. Properly draining your sprinkler system is essential to avoid issues like burst pipes, broken sprinkler heads, and costly water damage.
Whether you’re a seasoned DIYer or just getting started, this step-by-step guide will help you drain your sprinkler system properly for winter.
Why is it Important to Drain Your Sprinkler System?
Before diving into the process, it’s important to understand why draining your sprinkler system for the winter is crucial. When water is left inside the pipes, it can freeze during the cold months. As water freezes, it expands, which can cause pipes, valves, and other components to crack or break. If left unchecked, this damage can lead to water leaks, costly repairs, and a non-functional system when you need it most in the spring.
By draining your sprinkler system, you remove water from the pipes, preventing freezing and the subsequent damage that could result.
Tools You’ll Need
Before you begin the draining process, make sure you have the following tools:
A hose
A wrench (if necessary to disconnect components)
A compressor (for blowout method) or manual drain valve (for manual draining)
Towels or a shop vacuum (for blowing out water)
A sprinkler system manual (if available for reference)
Once you have everything ready, you can begin the process.
Step-by-Step Guide to Draining Your Sprinkler System
1. Shut Off the Water Supply
The first step is to turn off the main water supply to your sprinkler system. This is typically located near your water meter or the backflow preventer. For safety, double-check that the valve is closed completely.
2. Turn Off the Timer or Controller
Next, make sure that the sprinkler system controller or timer is switched off. This prevents the system from automatically turning on when you don’t want it to. If your system has a programmable timer, set it to the off position or disconnect the power source to avoid unnecessary water flow.
3. Drain Manually Using the Drain Valves (if applicable)
Some sprinkler systems come equipped with manual drain valves. If your system has these, locate the drain valves for each zone. These are typically located near the low points of the system. Open the drain valves slowly to allow any residual water to drain out. Be sure to open all valves on each zone and let the water drain completely. If you have a lot of sprinkler heads, this may take some time, but it’s important to ensure no water remains in the pipes.
4. Use Compressed Air (Blowout Method)
For systems that don’t have manual drain valves or for a more thorough drain, the blowout method is your best option. This method uses compressed air to force the remaining water out of the pipes and sprinkler heads. Here’s how to do it:
Connect the Air Compressor: Attach the air compressor to your system’s blow-out port. This port is usually located near the backflow preventer or the valve box.
Set the Compressor to Low Pressure: Set the air compressor to a low PSI (typically 30-50 PSI for residential systems). Too high of a pressure can damage your system’s components.
Turn On the Compressor: Turn on the air compressor and let the air flow through the pipes. Start with the furthest zone and move towards the closest one. This will ensure that air is blowing through all the pipes and sprinkler heads, forcing out any residual water. If your system has multiple zones, you’ll need to repeat this process for each one.
Check for Water Flow: After blowing out each zone, check the sprinkler heads for any remaining water. If water is still present, repeat the blowout process until no more water comes out.
Note: If you’re unsure about using a compressor or don’t feel comfortable doing it yourself, consider hiring a professional sprinkler service to handle the blowout for you.
5. Check and Drain Backflow Preventer (if applicable)
If your system includes a backflow preventer, it’s essential to drain it as well. These devices are designed to prevent contaminants from entering your water supply, but they can also trap water inside. Locate the backflow preventer, and open the valve to let any remaining water drain out. You may need to drain it manually or by using the same blowout process.
6. Remove and Store Sprinkler Heads (Optional)
While this step is optional, removing and storing sprinkler heads for the winter can provide an extra layer of protection. If you live in an area with severe winters, the freezing and thawing cycle can cause sprinkler heads to crack. Carefully unscrew and remove the sprinkler heads, then store them in a dry location until spring.
7. Insulate Exposed Pipes and Components (Optional)
If your sprinkler system has exposed pipes or components, consider adding insulation to protect them from the cold. Insulation can help prevent freezing, especially if you live in an area that experiences extreme temperatures. Use foam pipe insulation, heat tape, or another suitable material to cover vulnerable parts of your system.
8. Check for Leaks and Damage
Now that your system is drained, take a moment to inspect the pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads for any signs of damage or leaks. Even a small crack or leak can lead to big problems come spring, so it’s better to catch these issues now and address them before they worsen.
9. Set the System for Spring
Once you’ve drained and checked your sprinkler system, you’ll be ready to switch it back on in the spring. Mark the date when you performed the winterization, and when warmer weather arrives, simply reverse the process—reconnect the water supply, check the controller, and ensure everything is working as it should.
Tips for Maintaining Your Sprinkler System Through Winter
Schedule a Professional Service: If you’re not comfortable performing the winterization process yourself or need help with the blowout method, it’s worth considering a professional sprinkler service to ensure everything is properly prepared for winter.
Don’t Skip the Blowout: While manual drainage is a good first step, the blowout method is the most effective way to fully drain your system. This ensures that no water remains in the pipes and that everything is protected from freezing.
Use a Properly Sized Air Compressor: If you decide to use a compressor for the blowout, make sure it’s capable of delivering enough air to clear out your system. A compressor that’s too small won’t effectively clear out all the water, which could lead to freezing.
Conclusion
Properly draining your sprinkler system for winter is one of the best ways to protect your investment and avoid costly repairs in the spring. By following these steps, you can ensure that your system is free from water and ready to withstand the winter weather. If you’re unsure about any part of the process or want to make sure your system is fully winterized, don’t hesitate to contact a professional. A little preparation now can save you a lot of hassle when the weather warms up!
