Find a professional sprinkler winterization service near you

Using a pancake air compressor isn’t advisable for sprinkler winterization. Although some pancake air compressors can generate the requisite 50 to 80 psi, most can’t provide the needed air pressure volume of 5 cubic feet per minute (CFM). If you insist on using one, water can remain in your sprinkler system, which could make your pipes burst after they freeze during winter. You’ll need to hire a plumber to fix the damage if that happens.

Yes, but only if your sprinklers are of a particular design. You won’t need an air compressor if your sprinkler system consists of irrigation lines buried at a downward angle, such as on a downhill slope. For a system like this, all you have to do is shut off the water supply, open the drain valves in each zone and let gravity do the rest. 

No, there’s no need since your Tasker may arrive at the worksite fully equipped. The only items you may want to provide are a couple of buckets to catch the water that leaks out of the drain pipes. You may also have to give access to your basement or sprinkler system control box, so your Tasker can shut off the water supply. 

You can winterize your sprinkler system before freezing temperatures are expected. An ideal time is at least a week before the first freeze, so make sure to monitor local weather reports and mark the date! Don’t worry about not watering the grass on your lawn during this period; Most types of lawn grasses can survive without regular watering and can go into hibernation. 

No. Even if you’ve winterized your sprinkler system and insulated its external components, that doesn’t mean you should stop watering your lawn. The general rule is to continue watering the grass as long as the ground hasn’t frozen over. If your state has days where temperatures reach 40℉ or more, you should still water your lawn once or twice a month. Don’t do any watering if there’s snow or the ground has frozen. 

That depends on how long your grass is now. The grass blades should ideally measure at least two to two-and-a-half inches right before winter, so trim the grass or leave it to grow as appropriate. Having the grass blades at this length makes them short enough to avoid developing snow mold, but not too short that they get too stressed by the dry winds and cold temperatures.