As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, your watering system needs special care to stay in top shape. If you don’t store your watering system properly, freezing water inside pipes and hoses can cause costly damage.
You might think winterizing your irrigation system is complicated, but with the right steps, you can protect your investment easily. In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to store your watering system for the winter season, step by step. Keep reading to avoid surprises next spring and ensure your garden stays healthy year after year.
Shut Off Water Supply
Shutting off the water supply is the first step in storing your watering system for winter. Water left inside pipes can freeze and cause damage. Turning off the main water stops water flow and protects your system. This process helps avoid costly repairs in spring.
Take your time to locate the main shut-off valve. It is often found outside in a box or inside the basement. Turning this valve off completely stops water from entering your irrigation system. This step is essential before draining or blowing out water from the lines.
Locate The Main Water Shut-off Valve
Search for the main shut-off valve near your water meter or irrigation controller. It looks like a small lever or wheel. Turn it clockwise to close the valve fully. Confirm water flow stops by testing a faucet or sprinkler.
Turn Off The Valve Slowly
Close the valve slowly to avoid pressure shocks in the pipes. Sudden closure can cause pipe bursts or leaks. A gradual turn protects your watering system and plumbing from damage.
Confirm Water Supply Is Off
Open a faucet or irrigation valve to check for water flow. No water should come out if the shut-off is correct. This step ensures your system is ready for the next winterizing process.
Blow Out Water Lines
Blowing out water lines is a key step in protecting your watering system for winter. Water left in pipes can freeze and cause damage. Removing all water helps prevent costly repairs in spring. This process clears the water from irrigation pipes using air pressure. Follow simple steps to make sure your system stays safe during cold months.
Locate Backflow Preventer
Start by finding the backflow preventer. It is usually near your water supply line. This device stops contaminated water from flowing back into your clean water. Look for a large valve assembly with several pipes connected. The blowout port for the air compressor is often attached here. Knowing its location is important before starting the blowout.
Use Air Compressor
Connect an air compressor to the blowout port on the backflow preventer. Make sure the compressor is set to low pressure. High pressure can damage your pipes or sprinkler heads. Turn on the compressor to push air into the system. The air forces water out through the sprinkler heads and drip emitters. Run the compressor only for a short time in each zone.
Clear Each Zone
Activate each irrigation zone one at a time. Use your controller or manual valves to open each zone. Let the air push water out until you see only mist from the heads. This means the lines are empty. Turn off the zone and move to the next one. Repeat until all zones are cleared. This thorough clearing prevents water from freezing inside any pipe.
Drain Remaining Water
Draining remaining water from your watering system is a key step before winter arrives. Water left inside pipes or valves can freeze and cause damage. Removing all moisture helps protect your system. This process also prevents mold and corrosion inside the components. Take time to drain water thoroughly for a safe winter storage.
Open Test Cocks
Locate the test cocks on your irrigation system. These small valves allow trapped water to escape. Open each test cock slowly. Let water drain out completely. Keep them open throughout the winter months. This step ensures no water stays inside the pipes. Closed test cocks can trap water and cause freezing damage.
Bleed Valves
Bleed valves help release water and air from the system. Find the bleed valves near valves or backflow preventers. Open them to let remaining water flow out. Close the valves only after water stops draining. This removes pressure and moisture inside the system. Leaving bleed valves open during winter prevents any trapped water from freezing and causing damage.
Final Steps to Store Watering System
Inspect System Components
After draining and blowing out the system, inspect all components for any signs of wear or damage. Replace any faulty parts to ensure your system is ready for use in the spring.
Store Equipment Properly
Store hoses, nozzles, and other removable parts in a dry, sheltered location. This prevents them from becoming brittle or damaged during the cold months.