How to Winterize a Water Sprinkler System
- 1). Turn the knob off that operates the water to the sprinkler system.
- 2). Drain the water out of the tubes and pipes by opening the drain valves. Keep them open for about two hours to ensure that all water that can drain out is gone. Open the backflow valve as well. Use pliers if the valves are hard to open.
- 3). Take off sprinkler heads so that water drains out through the heads as well as the valves. Leave the heads off so that they are not damaged during the winter.
- 4). Set up an air compressor near the main water shut off and place the nozzle of the compressor hose into the drain opening nearest to that location. Blow the air through the system to force out any remaining water.
- 5). Stop the timers on the system and disconnect the power for the cold season.
- 6). Plug up openings where the sprinkler heads are normally located. Simply place a small piece of plastic over the opening and use a rubber band to keep it in place.
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