Identify the system-specific drain method, arrange suitable service, protect exposed components, and keep a spring restart checklist.
Gather the installed pipe, valve, backflow, pump, controller and sensor instructions. Mark isolation and drain locations and record the local freeze risk. Identify the specified water-removal method for each part and who is qualified to perform it.
Follow the manufacturer’s system-specific drain procedure or arrange qualified irrigation service for compressed-air winterization. Give the operator the component list and rated limits. Request a record of the method used and any defects discovered.
Set the controller, pump controls, sensors, removable timers and batteries according to their own winter-storage instructions. Protect exposed components as specified while keeping required vents and drain openings unobstructed. Label stored parts and retain the current irrigation program.
Check the service record against the component inventory. Confirm which supplies are isolated, which parts were drained or removed and which openings must remain in their specified state. Record unresolved freeze protection or leakage concerns and prevent accidental operation.
Before reuse, inspect for damage, reinstall stored components and arrange required backflow or equipment checks. Refill and activate according to the system instructions, inspect each zone and repeat the earlier delivery measurements before restoring a seasonal program.
Keep the component inventory, manuals and winterization service scope. · Record the approved procedure and service appointment or completion notes. · Keep controller settings, stored-part locations and component-specific protection steps. · Save the shutdown record, open defects and restart prerequisites. · Keep the restart inspection, repaired defects and updated watering program.
Repeat emitter or sprinkler catch tests after the system is safely returned to service.
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Manual drains, automatic drains and compressed-air methods have different requirements. Rain Bird recommends irrigation-specialist help for water removal where safety risks arise.
Hunter describes component limits and injury risks during blowout and recommends a qualified contractor. Do not infer a safe air setting from a water-flow calculation or this checklist.
Keep component identity, method, final isolation state, removed parts, defects and restart prerequisites together. On restart, compare like-for-like measurements and recheck the program against current conditions.
Store a dated copy before shutdown so spring changes can be deliberate.
Backflow devices, pumps and sensors may need a different step from the irrigation laterals.