When the temperatures start to dip in Upstate New York, knowing how to winterize irrigation system setups can make the difference between a functioning yard come spring and costly repairs. Homeowners across the Capital Region from Albany to Saratoga Springs need to take action to protect their irrigation systems from freezing, cracking, or breaking under the pressure of expanding ice.
In previous guides, we’ve answered the question, “What is an irrigation system?” In this article, we’re discussing the steps in winterizing irrigation system setups, including how to drain it properly, insulate the vulnerable parts, and shut down your controller the right way. We’re also solving some common problems that can come up during the process if you don’t opt to leave it to the professionals.
Why Winterize Irrigation Systems?
Irrigation systems are not designed to withstand freezing temperatures. When water is left inside the pipes or valves, it can freeze, expand, and cause cracks or bursts. In the Capital Region where winters are often very cold, this can lead to major system damage and unplanned repair costs in the spring.
Beyond the financial consequences, a damaged irrigation system can delay your seasonal landscaping plans. A cracked pipe underground isn’t just a problem by itself, it’s often hard to detect until the damage is severe. That means your spring garden or lawn might end up becoming much worse before you even realize there’s an issue.
Knowing how to winterize irrigation system setups isn’t just about avoiding repairs. It’s also a way to extend the lifespan of your system. After irrigation system installation, regular seasonal maintenance will keep every part of your system in working order longer.
Additional Info: What about sprinkler systems? We’ve got you covered there, too. Check out our guide on how to winterize sprinkler system setups after this.
How to Winterize Irrigation System Setups
Winterizing irrigation system setups takes more than just turning it off. You need to follow a step-by-step process to fully prepare it for withstanding freezing temperatures. Here’s a look at what that includes:
- Turn Off the Water Supply
- Drain the System (Manual, Automatic, or Blow-Out)
- Insulate Exposed Components
- Shut Down and Store the Controller Properly
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
The first step on how to winterize an irrigation system is to turn off the main water supply to the irrigation system. This is usually separate from your home’s primary water shut-off valve. Be sure to locate the correct shut-off and confirm no water is flowing to your irrigation lines. If your system has a backflow preventer, be sure it’s turned off as well and note that you may need to drain or protect it.
2. Drain the System
This may be the most critical step in how to winterize an irrigation system at your home. If water stays in the lines during the colder months, it can freeze and cause damage. Take a look at these methods for how to drain the system and winterize irrigation system setups completely:
- Manual drain method: If your irrigation system is equipped with manual valves at the low points, open them up to let gravity do its job. Open all zones and valves to ensure complete drainage.
- Automatic drain method: Some irrigation systems have automatic drain valves that activate when pressure drops. If yours does, you can just shut off the water supply and run one zone briefly to relieve pressure.
- Blow-out method: For irrigation systems that require it, compressed air can be used to force water out of the lines. This method has to be done carefully because using the wrong PSI or leaving valves closed can damage or destroy parts of your system. Unless you’re experienced, this step is best left to professionals.
This part of how to winterize an irrigation system is similar to doing the same for a sprinkler system. Learn more about drip irrigation vs sprinkler system setups after this article.
3. Insulate Exposed Components
The next step for winterizing irrigation system setups is to insulate exposed parts of your irrigation system. Parts like backflow preventers, above-ground pipes, and valves should be wrapped using foam pipe covers or insulation tape to cover the entire component. For extra protection, consider using weather-resistant insulation bags or covers specifically designed for irrigation system parts.
Be sure no vents or drain outlets are blocked in this process, especially on backflow preventers, because they need airflow even while being protected from the cold.
4. Shut Down and Store the Controller Properly
Last up on winterizing irrigation system setups is to power down your irrigation controller (or timer) for winter. For indoor controllers, turn off the programming or set it to “rain mode” to stop it from turning on the valves. If it’s a battery-powered controller or has backup batteries, remove them to avoid corrosion.
Outdoor controllers that aren’t weatherproof need to be removed and stored in a dry indoor location. You may also need to disconnect smart controllers from your Wi-Fi to avoid glitches during the off-season when it’s not in use.
Fixing Common Problems When Winterizing Irrigation Systems
Even if you’ve figured out what you need to do, things can go wrong when you winterize irrigation system setups on your own. This is especially possible if it’s your first time or you’re rushing to beat the first freeze.
Here are a few of the most common issues and how to deal with them:
- Water still in the lines after draining
- Backflow preventer leaking after shut-off
- Sprinkler heads not draining
- Controller malfunctioning in spring
1. Water Still in the Lines After Draining
If you notice water coming out of a sprinkler head days after draining the irrigation system, it could mean water is still trapped in low points. Try repeating the draining process. If that doesn’t fix the problem, call a professional to determine whether a blow-out is needed or if there’s a slope issue in the piping.
2. Backflow Preventer Leaking After Shut-Off
Leaks around the backflow preventer can be due to improper draining or not insulating it the right way. Turn off the irrigation system again and open the test cocks to release any trapped water. Once it’s dry, wrap the component completely with insulation and check for any cracks that may need repair.
3. Sprinkler Heads Not Draining
If your irrigation system sprinkler heads stay full of water, they may be clogged up or not designed to self-drain. In this case, you’ll need to manually remove the head so you can shake out any water and clear debris. Consider upgrading to heads with check valves to keep this from happening in the future.
4. Controller Malfunctioning in Spring
If your controller doesn’t work when spring arrives, old batteries or corroded terminals could be the issue. Always be sure you remove batteries before winter. Then in spring, clean terminals, install fresh batteries, and run a test cycle before watering season begins.
Ready to Winterize Your Irrigation System Properly?
Winter in the Capital Region can be very cold and hard on your landscaping. Just like plants you’re protecting against the frosts, your irrigation system needs proper care to keep it in good shape for the seasons ahead. Taking the time to winterize irrigation system setups thoroughly helps protect your investment, your landscaping, and keep you on track for easy maintenance in spring.
If you’d rather not risk missing a step or damaging your system with a DIY blow-out, let the experts handle it. Our team provides professional irrigation system winterization services throughout the Capital Region so you don’t have to worry. Give us a shout to schedule your service and make sure your system is ready for the season ahead.
Read Next: How much does an irrigation system cost? Check out our guide for more information and plan your installation.
