As Colorado nights get colder, it’s important to prepare your sprinkler system for winter. Winterizing helps prevent damage from freezing water, saves money on repairs, and conserves water.

Why It Matters

When temperatures drop below freezing, water left in sprinkler lines can expand and crack pipes, valves, and fittings. Taking a few simple steps before the first hard freeze can:

• Prevent frozen or burst pipes
• Avoid costly spring repairs
• Save water by eliminating leaks or breaks 

When To Winterize

Lawns naturally go dormant in late October or early November and need little to no watering during the winter. Plan to turn off and drain your sprinkler system before the first hard freeze, when overnight temperatures dip below 28°F for several hours.

How To Winterize Your Sprinklers

1. Turn off the water supply to your irrigation system.
2. Drain the lines using the manual, automatic, or blowout method.
3. Blow out the system with compressed air (or hire a professional).
4. Insulate exposed pipes and valves with foam covers or insulation tape.
5. Turn off your controller or set it to “rain mode” for the winter.

When Spring Returns

Inspect your system for leaks, cracks, or misaligned sprinkler heads before turning it back on to ensure efficient water use and healthy landscaping.