How to Winterize Your Home Irrigation System Before the Freeze Hits

Protect Your Investment Before Winter

As beautiful as Pennsylvania winters can be, freezing temperatures are no friend to your irrigation system. Without proper winterization, water left inside pipes and valves can expand, crack fittings, and cause costly damage come spring.

That’s why Laurian Outdoors provides professional irrigation winterization services across the Lehigh Valley — helping homeowners protect their landscapes and save on repairs.

If you’re wondering what winterization involves or why it matters, here’s your complete guide.

Why Winterizing Your Irrigation System Is Essential

Even a small amount of trapped water can cause major problems when temperatures dip below freezing.

Here’s what can go wrong if you skip winterization:

• Cracked Pipes: Water expands as it freezes, splitting PVC or polyethylene piping.

• Damaged Backflow Preventers: These crucial devices can cost hundreds to replace if they burst.

• Broken Sprinkler Heads & Valves: Internal components aren’t designed to handle ice pressure.

• Costly Repairs in Spring: You’ll end up paying more to fix freeze damage than to prevent it.

Bottom line: Winterization protects your investment and ensures your system is ready to go next spring.

\Step-by-Step: How the Pros Winterize Your Sprinkler System

At Laurian Outdoors, our irrigation technicians use commercial-grade air compressors and proven methods to safely clear every line. Here’s our process:

Step 1: Shut Off the Water Supply

We locate and close the main irrigation shut-off valve, ensuring no additional water enters the system during blowout.

Step 2: Drain or Disconnect the Backflow Preventer

The backflow assembly is a common freeze-damage point. We open test cocks and valves to let residual water drain and prevent cracking.

Step 3: Connect the Air Compressor

Using a regulated air pressure (typically 50–80 PSI depending on pipe type), we attach a compressor to the blowout port on your system’s manifold.

Step 4: Blow Out Each Zone

We activate each irrigation zone one at a time, forcing air through the lines until mist turns to dry air — clearing sprinklers, pipes, and valves of any remaining water.

Step 5: Inspect and Finalize

Our technicians verify that all valves are closed, the controller is turned off (or set to “rain” mode), and the backflow preventer is properly positioned for winter.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

If you attempt DIY winterization, steer clear of these pitfalls:

• Using too much air pressure: This can blow apart fittings or sprinkler heads.

• Leaving the backflow full of water: It’s often the first component to freeze.

• Forgetting drip lines or auxiliary zones: Many systems have hidden zones that are easy to miss.

• Ignoring timers and controllers: A live system could reopen valves even after you think you’re done.

When in doubt, hire a certified irrigation professional — it’s safer, faster, and guarantees protection.

The Ideal Timing for Winterization in the Lehigh Valley

In Eastern Pennsylvania, irrigation winterization should typically be done between mid-October and late November, before the first deep freeze.

If you’re seeing overnight temps regularly in the 30s, it’s time to schedule service. Waiting too long can leave your system vulnerable during early cold snaps.

Why Choose Laurian Outdoors for Irrigation Winterization

• Experienced technicians trained in irrigation safety and best practices

• Commercial-grade air equipment to ensure complete water removal

• Service for all system types — residential, commercial, and HOA properties

• Comprehensive care — we’ll check your system for leaks, pressure issues, and damaged heads during the visit

We treat every system like it’s our own — ensuring it’s protected for the winter and ready for a smooth spring startup.

Prevent Freezing Damage Before It Starts

Your irrigation system is one of the most valuable parts of your landscape. Don’t let winter’s freeze destroy what you’ve invested in all year.

Laurian Outdoors makes it simple and affordable to protect your system.

Schedule your irrigation winterization today and rest easy knowing your pipes, valves, and sprinklers are safe until spring.