How to Winterize Your Irrigation System

After a long season of watering your plants, garden and yard, it is time to take apart  and winterize your irrigation system.

Step 1: Supplies

White vinegar, bucket, pliers,adjustable wrench

Step 2: Disconnect and empty rain barrel (if you use one)

Rain barrels are excellent for catching and holding rain water.  They have to be emptied at the end of the season so the water won’t freeze and crack the barrel.  After disconnecting them, clean and dry them thoroughly.

Step 3: Disconnect and drain hoses

Be sure to empty any water from the hose. Roll it up and place it in storage.

Soaker hoses do not need to be removed.  The porous material will not crack or split.

Step 4: Drip lines and sprayers

Black plastic tubing for drip irrigation can be left out.  Drain any standing water.

Remove all of the smaller drip lines and put into storage.

Remove all sprayers, nozzles and mist heads and soak overnight in vinegar to remove mineral deposits.

Use a small brush for larger items.  Rinse off and dry.

Underground water lines should be drained by blowing compressed air down the line.

Timers need to be removed, drained and cleaned. Check the manufacturer’s instructions for your model.

Step 5: Spigot care

Remove any splitter valves and clean them.  If you have an indoor shutoff valve, close this and open the spigot outside. This will prevent the pipe from freezing and rupturing inside your wall.

One more item that is often overlooked, but often used is your watering can.  Plastic or metal, make sure it is drained and dried and stored indoors.

About the Author

I am a machinist by trade (engine lathe) and I work in the yard when at home.  I only have a 1/2 acre in downtown Cranesville, PA but it is full of flower beds. My website says it all when it comes to my second career, www.rogersbackyardnursery.com  Propagating plants and watching them grow is very thrilling for me. I enjoy doing family research online. I photograph plants all summer and also cemetary headstones for Findagrave.com.  My daughter is married and my son is a senior in high school this year. My wife is my helpmate in all that I do.

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• Lydia

  Thanks for this post , I usually forget about the rain barrels till well into the cold season .

  Oct 7, 2014, 7:07 am 0 Reply