Here in the midwest, we are reaching for the jackets and flannels right now. Parents are digging through the basement to find their kids' winter coats in preparation for the first winter blast to come through unexpectedly.
Unfortunately, in all the seasonal scramble, one thing that gets overlooked is the lawn sprinkler. Many people forget about winterizing the system until the first time the temperature drops below freeezing for the first time every year. While this is an effective reminder, it's not the best plan, as you might not always be lucky enough to escape damage. Dealing with a frozen line or valve is much less desirable than taking care of the winterization before the first freeze.
So here are the basic steps for winterizing your system. If you don't have the tools to do it yourself, it's usually $75-125 to get a local lawn pro to come and do it for you.
1 - Turn off the water and control unit.
2- Remove the backflow preventer and store it inside for the season.
3- Remove all water from the system by a drain valve or compressed air and cap any open fittings.
Of course, this is highly simplified! Your system will have specifics that you should learn about so you don't damage it. There are many resources on the net for you to find, and your installer can usually tell you the correct procedure for your specific system.
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