If you invested in a lawn sprinkler system for your property, it’s crucial that you also spend time protecting the setup from the harsh winter weather. After all, if your irrigation tools break in the cold, there will be nothing to save your lawn from the inevitable heat that follows. To safeguard your investment and the future of your landscape, consider the following winterization guide.

How to Winterize a Lawn Sprinkler System

1. Insulate Exposed Components

To begin the winterization process, shut off the main water supply valve that supplies water to the entire lawn sprinkler system. Then, wrap this valve in insulation such as pine straw or foam to protect it before temperatures drop below freezing. Check with the team who installed your system if there are any above-ground pipes or other portions connected to it, as these will have to be bundled up as well.

2. Disable the Timer

Most lawn sprinkler systems are controlled with a timer. In preparation for the winter, you’ll need to shut down this function. To turn the system off, set the timer to “off” or “rain mode,” or simply disconnect the wires that attach the timer to the pump. In addition to protecting your lawn sprinkler system, this will also allow you to save money on energy costs.

3. Eliminating All Water

If you live in an area that sees weeks with freezing temperatures, you’ll need to clear your lawn irrigation system of all water. Otherwise, this liquid could freeze, expand, and cause parts of the system to burst. While some systems come equipped with a draining function, you may need to hire a professional to use a compressor that ejects lingering water with high-pressure air.

If you want to learn more about caring for a lawn sprinkler system throughout the year, Oasis Landscape & Irrigation of Columbia, MO, can help. In fact, they provide residential and commercial customers with a wide range of property maintenance services, from landscape design to fertilization treatments. To inquire about a lawn sprinkler system installation for your property, call (573) 446-0858, and visit the website for more information.