Sprinklers are the key to success when it comes to creating and maintaining a lush, green lawn. However, they are not a self-maintaining machine. An optimized sprinkler system requires several key points of maintenance throughout the year.

To be specific, if you live in an area where ground temperatures dip below freezing, you will need to properly shut down your sprinkler system in the fall and bring it back in the spring. This is called winterizing your sprinklers.

Knowing how to winterize your sprinkler system is key to protecting the system’s pipes and valves from the cold.

Some of these steps are easy to do on your own, but others required specialized machinery and the expertise of a professional. SLC Scapes, in addition to their standard lawn care services, offers sprinkler repair and maintenance to homeowners throughout Salt Lake and Utah County.

Here are four important steps you will need to know.

First and foremost, you need to turn off the water to the system with a main valve that’s usually found near your water meter. If your system has valves to prevent backflow, shut these off too. There are usually two of these valves that lead into the backflow device; shut them both off at this time.

If your system runs on an automatic timer, turn it off at this time. Your system may or may not have what is called “rain mode” to save water throughout the year. This setting means you do not lose any of your programmed information during your downtime. You can use this “rain mode” setting in the winter as well making it easier to turn the system back on when you’re ready.

Drain The Water

It’s not enough just to keep water from flowing into the system; you need to drain out the water that’s already in there. This is typically the most time-consuming step in the process, but it’s possibly the most important. You can choose from manual, automatic, or blow-out draining processes. The choice is largely dependent on your specific sprinkler system. Be sure to check your user manual if you’re not sure what process your system needs.

Insulate the Above-Ground Components

The final step to winterization is ensuring the above-ground parts of your sprinkler system are protected from the upcoming harsh weather elements. This includes the main shut-off valve, plus any exposed pipes or backflow preventers. You can protect with your choice of foam covers or insulation tape. (Make sure not to block any air vents or drain outlets on the backflow preventers.)

If you’re winterizing your sprinkler system for the first time (or maybe it’s jut been a while), better safe than sorry. Don’t be afraid to double-check the manufacturer’s user manual. The steps presented here are generic to most systems, but you will want to make sure you’ve covered all your bases and included any extra steps your specific sprinkler system needs.

If you don’t feel comfortable winterizing your sprinkler system on your own, there are plenty of professional lawn and sprinkler care services standing by ready to help each fall. That’s where SLC Scapes comes in. Request a free estimate and let us tackle your honey-do list while you kick back, relax, and enjoy a hot cup of cocoa.