How to Winterize a Sprinkler System mid Winter

If you live in a mild temperature region of the country it is not a problem to winterize a sprinkler system mid winter. If however you live in a cold weather part of the country and you did not take the steps to winterize the sprinkler system before winter, you may have some problems. These problems will be magnified if you have already experienced the first bout of freezing temperatures for the winter. The danger in not winterizing your sprinkler system in a cold weather area of the country is the risk that any water in the system will freeze and possible cause the pipes to burst.

You may still be able to address this problem by calling a licensed plumber and allowing them to do their job in order to protect and safeguard your sprinkler system against pipes bursting or other damage that can become costly to repair. If you have not experienced the first frost for the season or if the weather conditions have been mild so far, you may still be able to winterize your pipes and keep them from becoming damaged or bursting.

Step 1: Rent a Hot Air Compressor

Go to a home improvement center or tool rental facility and rent an air compressor that blows warm to hot air. This tool is needed to force air into the sprinkler system as well as carefully heat up any water that may have been trapped in the sprinkler from the spring and summer. Using the air compressor will help you blow out the system and empty all remaining water before you close it off for the winter. You should need the air compressor for no more than several hours in order for you to accomplish the task of winterizing your sprinkler system mid winter.

Step 2: Obtain Drawing of the Sprinkler System

You need to locate the main water valve, drain valves and the mainline pipe that feeds into the sprinkler system. Each of these components will be located on a drawing of the sprinkler system, which you can obtain from the installer if you do not have a copy of the plans readily available. These plans and drawing are needed because this article can not describe the set up of your specific sprinkler system and how it was installed. 

Step 3: Shut Off Water Main to the Sprinkler System and Open Drain Valve

Locate the location of the main water valve for your sprinkler system as well as the drain valve. Turn the water valve off by turning the valve in a clockwise manner. As soon as the valve is closed, open the drain valve in the system. If the winter has not been too cold this should release any remaining water in the pipes for the sprinkler system.

Step 4: Attach the Air Compressor to the Mainline Pipe

Attach the air compressor to the mainline pipe for the sprinkler system. Place it on low pressure of about 40 to 50 psi and set the temperature to low heat. This will gently heat up any water that has frozen in the pipes and blow it out of the system without causing the pipes to burst.