Proper irrigation system maintenance helps protect your landscape and prevent costly winter damage.

Irrigation System Shutdowns: The Right Way to Protect Your Property Before Winter

As the temperatures begin to drop, one of the most important steps property owners and managers can take is preparing irrigation systems for winter. A proper shutdown isn’t just about avoiding frozen pipes—it’s about protecting your property investment, preventing costly repairs, and ensuring your landscaping is ready to thrive again in spring.

Why Irrigation Shutdowns Matter

When water is left in irrigation lines during freezing weather, it expands as it turns to ice. This expansion can crack pipes, damage valves, and destroy sprinkler heads. Repairs in the spring can be expensive and disruptive—often costing far more than the simple preventive step of a proper winterization. Beyond cost, leaks caused by freeze damage can lead to water waste, erosion, and even liability risks on commercial properties.

The Right Way to Shut Down Your Irrigation System

1. Turn Off the Water Supply

Locate and shut off the main irrigation water supply before the first freeze. For properties with backflow preventers, this step is essential to protect the device from freezing and breaking.

2. Drain the System

Water must be completely removed from irrigation lines. Depending on the system design, this can be done in one of three ways:

• Manual drain: Opening valves at low points to let water escape.

• Automatic drain: Systems designed with valves that open when pressure drops.

• Blow-out method: Using compressed air to force all remaining water out of the pipes (the most common method for commercial properties).

The Blow-Out Method: What You Need to Know

For most commercial irrigation systems, the blow-out method is the most reliable way to remove water from lines before winter. This process uses compressed air to push any remaining water out of pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads.

Best practices for a safe blow-out include:

• Use the right air compressor – The unit should deliver a steady flow of air, not just high pressure.

• Limit air pressure – Typically 50–80 PSI is recommended (depending on the system). Higher pressure can crack pipes or damage sprinkler heads.

• Work zone by zone – Connect the compressor at the mainline and clear each irrigation zone individually, ensuring water is fully expelled.

• Watch for mist – Keep blowing air until only a fine mist comes out of sprinkler heads, indicating the lines are dry.

• Never use continuous high pressure – Short bursts are safer and prevent overheating or equipment damage.

Because improper blow-outs can cause more harm than good, this step is best left to trained professionals with the right equipment.

3. Protect the Backflow Preventer

Backflow devices should be drained and insulated. In colder climates, wrapping the unit with insulation material or a thermal cover provides added protection.

4. Insulate Exposed Pipes and Components

Even after draining the system, any part of the irrigation that sits above ground is still at risk. Backflow preventers, valves, and exposed supply lines are especially vulnerable to freezing temperatures.

Best practices for insulation include:

• Wrapping exposed piping with foam insulation sleeves or fiberglass insulation secured with weatherproof tape.

• Using insulated covers designed for backflow preventers to protect sensitive components.

• Avoiding makeshift coverings like plastic bags that trap moisture and increase damage risk.

• Considering hard-shell insulated covers for maximum freeze and impact protection.

Taking these steps helps prevent cracks and extends the life of your irrigation system’s most expensive parts.

5. Inspect and Prepare for Spring

While shutting down, it’s a good time to note any damaged sprinkler heads, leaks, or worn components. Documenting issues now allows for early repairs in spring, reducing delays when it’s time to start watering again.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Shutting Down Irrigation Systems

Even well-meaning property managers and maintenance teams sometimes make errors that lead to costly spring repairs. Here are some of the most common:

• Not fully draining the system – Leaving just a little water in the lines can cause pipes to crack when temperatures drop.

• Improper use of compressed air – Using the wrong pressure can damage pipes, valves, or sprinkler heads.

• Skipping insulation on exposed components – Valves, backflow preventers, and above-ground piping often freeze first and cost the most to replace.

• Shutting down too late – Waiting until after the first hard freeze risks immediate damage.

• Forgetting system documentation – Failing to note repairs or damaged heads during shutdown can delay spring start-up.

Avoiding these mistakes ensures your irrigation system is protected and ready for the next growing season.

Benefits of Professional Winterization

While some property owners attempt DIY shutdowns, professional irrigation winterization provides added assurance:

• Correct use of compressed air to avoid pipe damage.

• Protection of commercial-grade systems with multiple zones.

• Documentation of system condition before and after shutdown.

• Scheduling efficiency—ensuring all properties are winterized before the first hard freeze.

Protecting Your Property, Protecting Your Investment

Shutting down irrigation systems properly is one of the simplest but most valuable steps you can take to protect your property before winter. It prevents costly repairs, safeguards your landscape investment, and ensures your irrigation is ready for spring.

At Strategic Grounds Management, we specialize in nationwide property maintenance, including irrigation system shutdowns for commercial properties. Our trained teams ensure every step is handled with precision so you can head into winter with peace of mind.

Contact us today to schedule your irrigation system shutdown and keep your property protected this winter.