Preparing Your Sprinkler and Irrigation System for the Canadian Winter

As the crisp autumn air begins to settle across Canada, it’s time to start thinking about winterizing your sprinkler and irrigation system. Proper preparation can save you from costly repairs and ensure your system is ready for the next growing season.

Canadian winters can be harsh, with freezing temperatures and heavy snowfall. Water left in your irrigation system can freeze, expand, and cause significant damage to pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. By winterizing your system, you’re protecting your investment and ensuring its longevity.

To give you an idea, here is a standard process for winterization:

(Important: This is a general guide, and depending on your specific system, this process can have variations and may not be completely applicable to your system. In most cases, you may want to defer to your irrigation technician or a professional winterization service provider.)

• Locate the main water supply valve to your irrigation system.
• Turn the valve completely off to prevent water from entering the system.

• Manual Draining – For smaller systems, you can manually drain the pipes by opening drain valves or using a hose to siphon water out.
• Automatic Draining – Some systems have automatic drain valves that can be activated to remove water from the lines.
• Compressed Air Blowout – For more efficient and thorough draining, consider using a compressed air blower. A professional can help you with this process, as it requires specialized equipment and knowledge.

• Check for Damage – Look for any visible damage to pipes, valves, or sprinkler heads.
• Clean Debris – Remove any leaves, twigs, or other debris that may have accumulated in the system.
• Lubricate Moving Parts – Apply a light lubricant to moving parts like valves and sprinkler heads to prevent rust and corrosion.

• If you have any exposed pipes, wrap them with insulation to protect them from freezing temperatures.
• Pay special attention to pipes near walls, foundations, or other cold areas.

• Disconnect all hoses from the system and drain them completely.
• Store hoses in a protected area, such as a garage or shed, to prevent damage from freezing temperatures.

• Cover Exposed Components – If you have any exposed sprinkler heads or valves, consider covering them with protective covers or insulation.
• Monitor Weather Conditions – Keep an eye on the weather forecast. If an unexpected cold snap is predicted, take additional steps to protect your system.
• Schedule Spring Start-Up – Once the weather warms up in the spring, have your irrigation system inspected and serviced to ensure it’s ready for the growing season.