To winterize sprinklers, you shut off the irrigation water, drain or blow out the lines, and protect any exposed/backflow parts from freezing, ideally before your area’s first hard frost. Doing this once each fall can prevent cracked pipes, broken valves, and expensive repairs in spring.

Key steps (Quick Scoop)

  • Turn off the irrigation water at the dedicated shutoff (often in the basement, crawl space, or a valve box) so no new water can enter the system.
  • Power off the sprinkler controller or set it to “off” or “rain mode” so it does not try to cycle while winterized.
  • Drain the system using your method: manual drains, automatic drains, or a professional-grade air-compressor “blow‑out,” depending on how your system is built.
  • Open drain valves and backflow test cocks so trapped water can escape, then leave ball valves at roughly a 45‑degree angle to give any remaining water room to expand.
  • Insulate all exposed above‑ground pipes, backflow preventers, and valves with foam pipe insulation or insulated covers rated for outdoor use.

Methods to drain sprinklers

  • Manual drain method : Many systems have drain valves at the lowest points of each zone; open them one by one until water stops, then close them again once empty.
  • Automatic drain method : Some systems include auto‑drain valves that open when pressure drops; you still usually cycle each zone briefly to help water reach those drains.
  • Blow‑out method : A powerful compressor connects to a “blow‑out port,” then each zone is run one at a time while low‑pressure air pushes water out of the heads.

Safety and equipment notes

  • Use relatively low air pressure (often around 30 PSI for polyethylene and about 50 PSI for PVC, with a strict maximum listed by manufacturers) to avoid damaging pipes and fittings.
  • A compressor with enough air volume (CFM), not just pressure, is needed for effective blow‑outs, which is why many homeowners hire a pro for this step.
  • If unsure about your piping material, backflow type, or compressor settings, local utilities or irrigation pros often publish region‑specific winterization guidance online.

Final checklist

  • Water to sprinklers off, indoor drain at the shutoff opened and re‑closed after draining.
  • Each zone drained or blown out until only a light mist or no water comes from the heads, then shut down the compressor and disconnect.
  • Backflow test cocks and ball valves set at about 45 degrees, with the assembly wrapped or covered for freeze protection.
  • Controller off for the season and key valves, ports, and drains lightly labeled so spring startup is easy.

Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.