With Old-man Winter knocking at the door, it’s time to get things around your house ready for the cold. One part of this equation that’s often overlooked is getting your in-ground sprinkler system properly drained. Water left in the lines will expand as temperatures drop to freezing levels and can cause your pipes to burst.
To ensure all water is cleared from your pipes, use an air compressor to force water out of the system. This process, known as “blowing out,” really should be handled by a professional because the amount of pressure necessary to blow out the water will vary from one system to the next. If it’s not done correctly, it can cause considerable damage to your pipes and other components.
However, if you’re a DIYer (proceed at your own risk), here’s a pretty good video explanation of how it’s done: