October 1st thru December 15th (temperature permitting) is the optimal time window to winterize your irrigation system! While the weather plays quite a big role each year in determining when clients want to winterize their system, we strongly recommend winterizing your system during this time frame.

When should you close your sprinkler system for winter?

You should shut off your irrigation system just before temperatures in your region begin to dip below freezing at night. Don't shut off your irrigation system too early. Often homeowners shut their systems down as soon as the fall season arrives because they believe that their lawn requires less water.

Do you need to winterize your sprinkler system?

So, if you have a lawn sprinkler, you need to winterize it before the temperatures plunge to the freezing mark. If you forget to winterize your sprinklers, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads.

How cold does it have to be for sprinkler lines to freeze?

A sprinkler system will freeze if the temperature falls below 32° F (0° Celsius). Now, most indoor sprinkler systems are inside of buildings or homes where the temperature won't ever drop into the danger zone.

How long does it take for pipes to freeze at 28 degrees?

Pipes can freeze in as little as six to eight hours, meaning they can freeze overnight. If the outside temperature is below 32 degrees F and your pipes are unprotected, your chances for a frozen pipe increase.

Do You Really Need To Winterize Your Sprinkler System?

Will pipes freeze at 32 degrees?

Pipes can freeze at 32 degrees or below, but it will take a sustained period of time for this to happen. In other words, a pipe needs to be at freezing temperatures for at least half a day before homeowners have to worry about any freezing occurring.

When should I blowout my sprinklers?

Water left in your sprinkler system will freeze over the winter, and as the water expands into ice it can damage your system components. Our sprinkler system blowout in the fall is the best way to avoid this damage and prepare your system for a smooth start-up in the spring.

How do I prepare my sprinkler system for winter?

Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. The main shut off valve for your irrigation system needs to be protected against freezing. Make sure it is wrapped with insulation (foam insulation tape and a plastic bag) to protect it from harsh winter temperatures and prevent it from freezing.

Is it too late to winterize sprinkler system?

The air temperature may be freezing but we don't usually freeze down deep in the ground until after Christmas. Get your system winterized, it's not too late.

How do I prepare my sprinkler system for spring?

Dewinterizing Your Sprinkler System

1. Check Your Lawn for Frozen Ground. Before you take the first step toward dewinterizing, you need to make sure your lawn agrees that winter is over. ...
2. Turn on Your Control Panel. ...
3. Clean Your Sprinkler Heads. ...
4. Slowly Open the Main Valve. ...
5. Check Your Irrigation Zones.

Will sprinklers freeze at 30 degrees?

While you may be eager to get your lawn back to its pristine green state, it is important to remember that temperatures at and below 32 degrees Fahrenheit put your sprinkler system at risk of freezing.

Should I water my lawn before a freeze?

It is best to water the grass the day before a freeze because the wet soil acts as insulation to the grassroots. Roots are more likely to freeze if the ground is too dry. Stop watering when the ground freezes.

How much does it cost to winterize an irrigation system?

The cost to winterize or activate a sprinkler system ranges from $53 and $121, or $87 on average. Maintenance during the irrigation season averages about $115, on top of these expenses.To keep your sprinkler system working properly, it must receive regular maintenance from a professional plumber.

How do I winterize my sprinkler system without a blowout?

Not all systems need to have the water blown out of them. You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone.

How much psi do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?

Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi). Compressor must be capable of delivering 20 to 25 Cubic Feet Per Minute of air volume. Do not run equipment for longer than 1 minute on air.

At what temperature should you turn off outside water?

When temperatures dip to 28 degrees or below, and the outside faucets freeze, ice can form in the water supply pipes that lead to those exposed outdoor faucets. If your outdoor faucets aren't properly prepared for winter, water damage from frozen pipes may occur.

At what temp should you leave water dripping?

When a cold snap hovers around or below 20 degrees Fahrenheit (-6 degrees Celsius), it's time to let at least one faucet drip. Pay close attention to water pipes that are in attics, garages, basements or crawl spaces because temperatures in these unheated interior spaces usually mimic outdoor temperatures.

Do I need to let all my faucets drip?

And the most important question... should you leave a faucet dripping? Yes, it's recommended you leave a faucet on with water at a drip to keep pipes from freezing. If you know where the water comes into your house, turn on a faucet at the opposite end to keep the water circulating.

How do you winterize a sprinkler system with a backflow preventer?

How To: Winterize Your Sprinkler System

1. STEP 1: Turn off the main water supply and if present, the backflow preventer. ...
2. STEP 2: Drain any water remaining in the irrigation system. ...
3. STEP 3: Open all drain valves. ...
4. STEP 4: Consider hiring a pro (optional, but recommended).

Should you water grass 40 degree weather?

The colder weather does not evaporate moisture from the lawn as quickly as it does in the warmer weather. Most lawn experts recommend watering your grass until the soil or ground temperature reaches the 40-degree Fahrenheit mark. It is true, less water is required and needed when the temperature drops.

How often should you water your lawn in the winter?

Watering once or twice a month is usually enough to keep your lawn moist throughout the winter. Check in on it weekly and look for signs of stress and wilt. See if the grass bounces back after being walked on. Some stress is good for your lawn's root development, but make sure it doesn't get too stressed.

Can I put down grass seed in winter?

Grass seed can survive the winter, and planting during the winter season is known as dormant seeding. If you put down grass seed in November or December, the seed will just lay dormant until the soil starts to warm in spring. While this comes with risks, it can also be beneficial and save you time on seeding in spring.

What is a pressure vacuum breaker in a sprinkler system?

An important component that should be part of your home's sprinkler system is a pressure vacuum breaker, or PVB for short. This valve provides protection against the mixing of non-potable water from your sprinkler system with your home's potable water supply.

When should I turn on my sprinkler system in the spring?

To keep your irrigation investment safe, monitor the weather and wait until temperatures consistently remain above freezing through the night. Typically, the best time to start up your sprinkler system is between the middle of April and the middle of May.