Step 1: Shut off the water to your sprinkler system.
Locate the shutoff valve, which is often in the basement, a utility room, or a closet. Most shutoff valves are ball valves with a handle. When the handle runs with the pipe, the water is on. To shut it off, turn the handle 90 degrees until it stops. Be careful not to turn off water to the entire house—only the sprinkler system. If you are unsure which valve to use, watch our “How to Find Your Sprinkler System Shutoff Valve” video or call us at 402-672-9297 for assistance.
Step 2: Locate the backflow preventer.
On the outside of your house, you’ll find a small metal device called the backflow preventer. A pipe runs from the house into this device and another pipe runs out into the ground.
Step 3: Turn the handles on the backflow preventer.
Rotate the two valve handles about 45 degrees so they are half open and half shut. Then, with a flathead screwdriver, open the two test ports on the side of the device. If your test ports have plastic caps, remove them before opening.
Step 4: Open your drain.
If you have an outside drain near the backflow preventer, open it to release the water. If not, check for a drain near the shutoff valve inside your home. Have a bucket ready to catch the draining water and leave all drains open throughout the winter. For an inside drain, keep a bucket underneath it. Note: most systems will have either outside drains or one inside, not both.
Step 5: Monitor your inside drain.
After opening the inside drain, check it regularly to ensure it stops dripping. If it continues to drip after a couple of days, the shutoff valve may not be fully closed or could be failing and may need replacement by a plumber. Remember, a drain can look like a faucet.
Step 6 & 7: Leave the rest to us.
When we arrive, we will use an air compressor to blow all water out of your lines and shut down your controller. While these emergency steps improve your chances of avoiding damage, they are temporary measures only. In our climate, a professional shutdown and winterization with an air compressor is critical. Without it, your pipes may freeze, break, and cause costly damage.
