- Weather can be unpredictable. Winterize before the first frost, which is typically in late September or early October. Visit The Almanac for a quick estimate of frostdates.
- Shut off the water to your irrigation system. The master supply valve to your irrigation system may be located in your basement.
- Turn the ball valves on your backflow preventer to a 45-degree angle relative to the pipe to allow water in them to drain out.
- Set the irrigation controller to Off.
- Drain the water from your system. This is the most critical step of the winterization process. Some homeowners blow-out their irrigation lines using a home compressor, others hire a professional with a special high-volume compressor. Ensure the PSI is correct for your system – too high will damage the lines.
- Insulate any outdoor above-ground components, such as the main shut-off valve (if not in the basement), exposed pipes, and backflow preventers; however, be careful not to block air vents in the backflow preventer or drain outlets.
- Disconnect hoses from outdoor faucets.
- When in doubt, consider hiring a professional to winterize your system and ensure everything is done right.
- It is also a good idea to cover your outdoor air conditioning unit to protect it from dirt and debris during the winter, and to secure or store any loose items that may be affected by winter high winds.