TL;DR
Get pool and patio gear delivered free with Prime
- Fast, free delivery on millions of items
- Prime Video, Amazon Music and more included
- Member-only deals all year
A Homes & Gardens report, citing irrigation specialists, recommends shutting down and draining outdoor drip irrigation before the first hard frost. Its five steps cover cutting the water supply, draining lines, removing the timer, protecting exposed parts and storing removable components.
A Homes & Gardens report outlines five steps for preparing an outdoor drip irrigation system for winter, advising homeowners to shut off and drain the system before the first hard frost. Irrigation specialists cited in the report warn that water left in lines or backflow equipment can freeze and expand, potentially damaging components and causing leaks.
The steps begin with turning off the system’s water supply at its source, such as the main connection, tap or shut-off valve. Owners should then remove end caps or plugs and allow the lines to drain. Raising sections of tubing can help gravity carry out water that remains inside.
For systems with a timer, the report advises disconnecting and removing it, taking out its batteries and keeping it in a dry, protected place. Backflow preventers and exposed valves should be drained and insulated. Foam pipe insulation or insulating tape are examples of materials that can be used to protect exposed parts.
The final step is to inspect and store removable components, including tubing, drippers, fittings and control valves, in a dry, frost-free place such as a shed or garage. The report says some non-electrical parts can remain outside, but doing so carries a risk of winter damage. It also cautions that compressed air can clear lines, but should be used by a professional because incorrect use can damage pipes.
Preventing Freeze Damage and Leaks
Winterization matters because water expands as it freezes. According to Heather Todd of Conserva Irrigation, water left in irrigation lines or backflow preventers can crack pipes, damage valves or cause failures in backflow assemblies. Damage may leave the system unusable in spring and could lead to water leaks in a garden or home.
Justin Wilson of American Irrigation Repair says brass backflow preventers are often among the first components to burst during cold weather. He warns that a burst pipe or preventer could require shutting off the home’s water supply to stop a leak. The report does not quantify repair costs, but it identifies avoiding damage and having the system ready for spring as the practical reasons to act early.
Products Worth Considering
Ring Alarm 8-Piece Kit (2nd Gen) Home Security System
Ring Alarm 14-Piece Wireless Security System
Philips Hue White and Color Ambiance A19 Smart Bulb Starter Kit, 2-Pack
As an affiliate, we earn on qualifying purchases.
Timing Depends on Local Frosts
The guide recommends completing winterization before the first hard frost, rather than waiting for freezing weather to arrive. The timing varies by location: the report says first frosts in the United States can occur from early October through December, depending on region and hardiness zone.
Wilson, whose work is based in Central Texas, says the hardest freezes there typically occur in January or February, though some years may bring none. His advice is to watch local forecasts and prepare ahead of hard freezes. That regional example is not a schedule for every area; homeowners need to account for local conditions.
“Water left in irrigation lines or backflow preventers can freeze and expand, potentially cracking pipes, damaging valves, or causing backflow assembly failures.”
— Heather Todd, brand president of Conserva Irrigation
System Designs and Local Risks Vary
The report provides general steps, but the precise procedure may depend on a system’s layout, components and manufacturer instructions. It does not give a universal temperature threshold or specify how long each setup needs to drain. Local frost timing also varies, so the Central Texas example should not be treated as a forecast for other regions.
Whether a homeowner can safely drain a particular backflow assembly or use compressed air is not established for every system. The report recommends professional service for blowing out lines, noting that pressurized air can cause damage if handled improperly. Owners should consult their system instructions or an irrigation professional if they are unsure how to prepare their equipment.
Complete the Shutdown Before Frost
Homeowners can use the five steps as a checklist: turn off the water, drain the lines, remove and store the timer, protect exposed valves and backflow equipment, and store removable parts. The timing should follow local weather forecasts, with the work finished before a hard freeze reaches the area.
Before putting components away, inspect them for cracks or other visible damage and label storage containers to make spring reassembly easier. The report gives no follow-up date or new technical guidance; its advice is for seasonal preparation ahead of winter conditions.
Key Questions
When should I winterize a drip irrigation system?
Do it before the first hard frost expected in your area. Frost dates vary, so monitor local forecasts rather than relying on a date from another region.
What should I do first?
Turn off the water supply at the source, tap or shut-off valve before opening the lines or removing components.
Can I use compressed air to clear the lines?
The report says professional winterization services can use pressurized air, but warns that incorrect use can damage pipes. It recommends having an expert do this.
Which parts should be protected or stored?
Drain and insulate exposed backflow preventers and valves. Remove the timer and batteries, and store removable items such as tubing, drippers, fittings and control valves in a dry, frost-free place.
Source: homesandgardens.com
