Signs It’s Time to Winterize

The best time to winterize your sprinkler system is in the fall—before freezing temperatures arrive. Winterization removes water from the irrigation lines and helps protect your pipes, valves, and sprinkler components from costly freeze damage.

Watch for these seasonal indicators:

• Leaves begin to fall: Once the trees start losing their leaves, it’s a good time to schedule winterization.

• Rain becomes frequent: Consistently wet weather often means the irrigation season is coming to an end.

• Your grass stops growing: When the lawn no longer needs regular mowing, your sprinkler system may no longer be needed.

• You’re putting away the lawn mower: After the final mow of the season, plan to winterize your irrigation system.

• Before the first hard freeze: Don’t wait for freezing temperatures. Schedule service ahead of the first hard freeze to help prevent damage.

In the Seattle area, the first hard freeze commonly occurs around mid-December, but temperatures can vary from year to year. For the best protection, schedule your sprinkler system winterization in late fall—before freezing weather arrives.