How to Winterize Sprinkler System Without Blowout

Step 1: Shut Off the Water to Your Sprinkler System

To shut off the water to your sprinkler system winterization, you must first turn off the main water valve that supplies the system with water. This will usually be located near the water meter. If your system uses valves to prevent backflow, make sure to shut those off, too. Next, shut off the isolation valve to the sprinkler system to prevent water from the main line from flowing into the pipes. There should be a hose bib located after the isolation valve, either inside the home or outside before the backflow preventer. Place a bucket underneath this faucet, then open the hose bib to drain the water from the main sprinkler line. Lastly, attach a compressor to the mainline with a quick coupler, hose bib, or other type of connection, as determined by the connection located after the backflow device. Both valves on the backflow preventer should be closed, as well. Following these steps will help you safely and effectively winterize your sprinkler system.

Step 2: Drain sprinkler valve and connect air compressor

How do you drain the sprinkler valve and connect an air compressor to a winterized sprinkler system without a blowout? [Step-by-step instructions]

Step 1: Shut off water to the sprinkler system. To do this, locate the system control valve. It’s usually covered with a green lid and has a handle. Turn the handle to shut off the water supply.

Step 2: Manually drain the excess water from the sprinkler water supply line by removing the top of the line with a crescent wrench.

Step 3: Connect the adapter to the water line opening, then attach the adapter to the water supply line.

Step 4: Connect the air hose from the air compressor to the other end of the adapter.

Step 5: Turn the compressor on and adjust the pressure settings: If you have a rigid PVC pipe system, set the air pressure regulator to a maximum of 80 PSI. If you have a flexible black pipe, set the pressure to around 50 PSI. Allow a few minutes for the compressor to come to full pressure before continuing to the next step.

Step 6: After the compressor has come to full pressure, turn on the sprinkler system and run each zone individually.

Step 7: After each zone has been emptied of water, remove the compressor line and allow excess air to flow from the pipe.

Step 8: Remove the adapter and place the cap back on the water pipe. Leave the water turned off for the remainder of the winter.

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Step 3: Open all of the drain valves

In order to winterize your sprinkler system and protect it from damage due to freezing temperatures, it’s important properly draining the system. The drain valve settings for a winterized sprinkler system will depend on the type of drain valve used.

Step 1: Put on goggles to protect your eyes and slowly release the valve at the lowest point of the pipes to let the water drain empty. Once finished, close the valve again.

Step 2: Check for any water remaining around the valves that could expand when temperatures drop by locating the boiler drain valve or the drain cap on the stop and waste valve. Open the valve to drain the last of the water left between the irrigation system and the backflow device.

Step 3: After you’ve blown out all of your zones, turn all the valves on your backflow preventer to 45 degrees, including the small test cock valves.

Step 4: If your sprinkler system has an automatic drain valve, locate the solenoid, which looks like a PVC cap with wires coming out of it. Loosen it by hand so air can flow in the system, and water should drain out from each zone of the mainline.

Step 5: Once everything is emptied fully, leave the valves open at 45 degrees to let any water that may enter the pipe during the season out so it won’t freeze in the line.

By following these steps and setting up your sprinkler system with the proper drainage valve settings, you can ensure that your system is adequately winterized and protected from damage due to freezing temperatures.

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Step 4: Blow out sprinkler pipes with an air compressor

Step 1: Shut off the water to the sprinkler system. To do this, locate your sprinkler system control valve and turn the handle to shut off the water supply.

Step 2: Manually drain the excess water from the sprinkler water supply line. Do this by removing the top of the line with a crescent wrench.

Step 3: Connect the adapter to the water line opening and attach it to the water supply line.

Step 4: Connect the air hose from the air compressor to the other end of the adapter.

Step 5: Turn the compressor on and adjust the pressure settings. For a rigid PVC pipe system, set the air pressure regulator to a maximum of 80 PSI. For a flexible black pipe, set the pressure to around 50 PSI.

Step 6: Allow a few minutes for the compressor to come to full pressure before continuing to the next step.

Step 7: Turn on the sprinkler system from the control box. Manually run each zone on your sprinkler system for about 1-2 minutes each or until there is no more water coming through the sprinkler heads.

Step 8: When the water has stopped coming through, turn off the system immediately. Do not continue to blow out the system with air as you will melt the sprinkler heads and interior pieces.

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Step 5: Insulate any system components that are located above ground

How can you insulate a system component located above ground during the winterization process? [Step-by-step instructions]

1. 1. Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system, either at the main shut-off valve or by capping pipes.
   2. Wrap any exposed pipes and other system parts, such as the main shut-off valve and backflow Preventers, with insulation tape or specially-designed foam wrappings.
   3. Use foam insulation tape or foam pipe covers to cover the exposed parts of the system. Make sure not to block valves or drainage ports.
   4. If the system has a pump, drain it, then wrap it to insulate it from the weather.
   5. Make sure to insulate the backflow Preventers, valves and exposed pipes with insulation. This can be done with foam insulation tape or foam insulating tubes.
   6. Lastly, be sure not to block any air vents or drain outlets on backflow Preventers.

Step 6: Consult your owner’s manual for recommendations that are specific to your system

What recommendations are in the owner’s manual for winterizing a sprinkler system without a blowout? [Step-by-step instructions]:

1. 1. Find the local technician and make an appointment.
   2. Shut off the timer if the system runs on an automatic timer.
   3. Store the valves indoors and cap the pipes for the winter.
   4. Put the system in “rain mode” to power down the timer without losing any programmed information or settings.
   5. Follow the user manual’s instructions for any specific actions for your sprinklers.

Step 7: Program the system not to run during the winter season

1. 1. Locate the timer for your sprinkler system and make sure it is powered off.
   2. If your timer has a rain mode setting, turn it on. This will prevent the timer from activating the sprinkler system and will maintain the program settings.
   3. If the timer does not have a rain mode setting, you can remove the wires that are connected to the MV (Master Valve) and common terminals to prevent the pump from being accidentally activated.
   4. Make sure to turn off the rain mode in the spring before beginning to use the sprinkler system again.
   5. If the timer does not have a rain mode setting, remember to reprogram the timer settings in the spring.