Winterize Sprinklers
Why It Matters
Water left in sprinkler lines freezes and expands, cracking pipes underground - an expensive repair to dig up and replace.
Quick Guide
- 1
Gather your tools and materials
You'll need: Air compressor. Materials required: necessary materials.
- 2
Perform the winterize sprinklers
Blow out sprinkler lines to prevent freezing and pipe damage. Safety note: Do not exceed 80 PSI when blowing out lines.
- 3
Verify and clean up
Check that the work was completed correctly and clean up your workspace. If if you do not have an air compressor, consider calling a professional.
Tools & Materials
Tools
- Air compressor
Community Tips
Blow out sprinkler lines completely using an air compressor set to 80-90 PSI to expel all standing water, which prevents freeze-thaw damage that can crack pipes and valves; a DeWalt DWFP55130 Air Compressor ($120-150) provides reliable pressure control for this critical task.
Never exceed 100 PSI when winterizing, as excessive pressure can rupture delicate sprinkler heads and underground lines—most residential systems are designed for 40-60 PSI operating pressure and cannot handle the force needed to forcefully clear debris.
Professional winterization typically costs $75-200 depending on system size and complexity, but DIY winterization with a basic air compressor rental ($25-40 per day) recovers its cost after protecting a $2,000-5,000 sprinkler system from winter damage. ---