Every fall, we get the same panicked calls from homeowners: “My sprinkler line just burst—what do I do?” Unfortunately, by the time that happens, the damage (and the repair bill) is already in full swing. The solution? Don’t wait for freezing temps to find out your irrigation system wasn’t ready. Be proactive and winterize the irrigation system before winter does it for you.

At Lawn Masters, we specialize in keeping your landscape alive and thriving through all four seasons—and that includes making sure your irrigation system doesn’t freeze up and flood your lawn, driveway, or foundation come winter. Whether your system is brand-new or a few years old, winterizing isn’t optional in cold climates. It’s essential.

Let’s walk through why winterizing matters, how the process works, and why letting a pro handle it is worth every penny (and then some).

What Happens If You Don’t Winterize the Irrigation System?

Irrigation systems are built to deliver water to your lawn—not hold it in freezing temps. When temperatures drop below freezing, any remaining water inside the pipes, valves, or sprinkler heads can freeze and expand. And as we all remember from high school science class, expanding water equals pressure—and pressure equals cracked pipes.

The result? Costly repairs and an irrigation system that’s out of commission until spring (if you’re lucky). In more serious cases, water can leak into the foundation, damage sidewalks, or even turn your yard into a soggy mess.

When we winterize the irrigation system, our goal is to prevent all of that. We make sure every drop of water is cleared from the system so there’s nothing left to freeze, crack, or burst.

The Right Way to Winterize the Irrigation System

Winterizing isn’t just turning off the timer and hoping for the best. There’s a method to it—and a lot of people miss critical steps that end up costing them in the long run.

Here’s how we handle it at Lawn Masters:

• Shut Down the Water Supply
  We start by turning off the main irrigation line, isolating the system from your home’s water supply. This stops any new water from entering the system before the freeze.
• Deactivate the Controller
  We either turn your controller off completely or set it to “rain mode,” depending on the model. This prevents accidental activation over the winter, which can cause water to enter and freeze unexpectedly.
• Open Drain Valves (if applicable)
  Some systems have manual drain valves or automatic drain valves. We make sure they’re open and functioning properly to let gravity do its thing.
• Blow Out the Lines
  This is the most important step—and the one that really makes the difference. We use commercial-grade air compressors to blow out every zone of your system, forcing any remaining water out of the pipes, sprinkler heads, and valves. We’re careful to use the correct air pressure to avoid damaging the components.
• Inspect for Damage or Weak Points
  While we’re at it, we’ll check for any existing leaks, worn-out sprinkler heads, or system components that might need attention before spring.

When we winterize the irrigation system, we do it thoroughly and safely—no shortcuts, no guesswork, and no blown lines.

Why DIY Winterizing Usually Falls Short

Look, we’re all for rolling up your sleeves and tackling weekend projects—but winterizing your irrigation system isn’t the best one to experiment with. It’s not just about having an air compressor—it’s about knowing how to use it safely and effectively.

Too much pressure? You could destroy a sprinkler head or valve. Too little pressure? Water stays trapped and freezes anyway. Not sure where your drain valves are? That could mean a frozen pipe under your lawn. You get the idea.

Our crew has winterized hundreds of systems across all types of properties. We know the quirks, the common trouble spots, and the best ways to protect your investment. One quick appointment in the fall saves you hundreds (if not thousands) in repairs come spring.

When Should You Winterize the Irrigation System?

Timing is everything. Wait too long, and you risk getting caught by an early cold snap. Go too early, and your lawn may miss out on those last few weeks of fall growth.

In most areas, the best time to winterize the irrigation system is when overnight temperatures consistently dip below 40°F—and definitely before the first hard freeze (32°F or below). In our area, that usually means scheduling between mid-October and early November. But if it’s been a particularly cold fall, earlier is better.

And don’t worry—if you’re not sure about timing, we’re happy to advise. Our goal is to get your system buttoned up before the weather gets nasty.

Does Every Irrigation System Need to Be Winterized?

Short answer: yes. If your system lives in a climate where the ground freezes in winter, then winterizing is non-negotiable. Even if you have freeze-resistant components or pipes buried below the frost line, there’s always a risk.

Underground components can crack. Above-ground parts like backflow preventers are especially vulnerable. And controller boxes exposed to the elements can corrode if water gets in.

Even drip irrigation systems can suffer if water is left in the lines. It’s just not worth the risk—especially when professional winterizing is quick, affordable, and extremely effective.

Bonus: Winterizing Is a Great Time for a System Check-Up

One of the perks of scheduling your winterization with us? We take the opportunity to inspect your system and flag anything that might need attention.

If we spot broken sprinkler heads, inefficient spray patterns, or signs of leakage, we’ll let you know. That way, you’re not starting spring with a system that’s limping out of the gate. You’ll already have a game plan in place.

And if you’re thinking about upgrades—smart controllers, zone expansion, water-efficient heads—we can work with you over the winter to design improvements and schedule them before the spring rush.

Why Choose Lawn Masters to Winterize the Irrigation System?

We’re not just another landscaping crew with a toolbox and a van. We’re irrigation professionals who understand how these systems work, and we take pride in protecting them for our clients.

When you hire us to winterize the irrigation system, you’re getting:

• Experienced technicians with the right equipment
• A complete blow-out of all zones and components
• System performance check and damage inspection
• Friendly, local service you can actually count on
• Peace of mind knowing your lawn investment is protected

Our team is licensed, insured, and trained to service all major irrigation brands. We don’t leave until every line is dry, every valve is sealed, and every question is answered.

Don’t Let Winter Catch You Off Guard

If there’s one outdoor task you shouldn’t put off, it’s winterizing your irrigation system. A quick appointment now can save you a lot of hassle—and even more money—down the line.

Let Lawn Masters handle the job. We’ll make sure your system is fully prepped for winter, and ready to go when spring rolls back around.

Give us a call or fill out the form at the top of this page to schedule your service. The sooner we winterize the irrigation system, the safer your lawn—and your wallet—will be.