Winterization Tips & Tricks

Protect Your Home, Yard, and Water System Before Freezing Weather Arrives

As temperatures begin to drop, taking a few simple steps now can help prevent costly repairs, water damage, and frozen pipes later. Use this guide to winterize your home, irrigation system, and swamp cooler before the first hard freeze.

❄️ Swamp Cooler Winterization

Properly winterizing your evaporative cooler helps prevent freezing damage and extends the unit's life.

What to Do

✅ Shut off the water supply to the cooler.

✅ Turn off power to the unit.

✅ Drain all water from the reservoir and supply line.

✅ Clean out any sediment or debris.

✅ Remove and replace worn cooling pads if needed.

✅ Install a weatherproof cover designed for your cooler model.

When to Call an Expert

Consider professional assistance if:

  • You are unsure how to disconnect water lines.
  • The unit requires electrical disconnection.
  • Water remains trapped in the system.
  • You want a full inspection before winter.

💧 Irrigation System Winterization

Water left in irrigation pipes can freeze, expand, and crack pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads.

What to Do

✅ Shut off the irrigation water supply.

✅ Turn off the irrigation controller or place it in "Rain" or "Off" mode.

✅ Drain the system if manual drain valves are installed.

✅ Remove and store above-ground hoses and timers.

✅ Insulate exposed backflow prevention devices.

Blow-Out Method

Many irrigation systems require compressed air to remove water from underground lines.

⚠️ Improper air pressure can damage irrigation components.

When to Call an Expert

A licensed irrigation contractor should perform a blow-out if:

  • Your system does not have manual drains.
  • You are unfamiliar with compressed air equipment.
  • Your property has multiple irrigation zones.
  • You want assurance the system is completely protected.

🏠 Protect Outdoor Plumbing

Disconnect Garden Hoses

✅ Remove all garden hoses.

✅ Drain and store hoses indoors or in a garage.

✅ Shut off hose bib shutoff valves if available.

Insulate Exterior Faucets

✅ Install insulated faucet covers.

✅ Check for gaps or cracks around plumbing penetrations.

Protect Exposed Pipes

✅ Wrap exposed pipes with foam pipe insulation.

✅ Pay special attention to crawl spaces, garages, and unheated utility rooms.

🚰 Prevent Frozen Indoor Pipes

Keep Warm Air Circulating

✅ Maintain indoor temperatures above 55°F.

✅ Open cabinet doors beneath sinks on very cold nights.

✅ Let faucets drip slowly during extreme cold events.

Know Your Main Water Shutoff

Every homeowner should know:

  • Where the main water shutoff valve is located.
  • How to turn it off in an emergency.
  • How to contact a plumber quickly if a pipe bursts.

✅ Winterization Checklist

Around the Yard

☐ Disconnect hoses

☐ Drain hose reels

☐ Insulate outdoor faucets

☐ Shut down irrigation system

☐ Schedule sprinkler blow-out if needed

Around the House

☐ Insulate exposed pipes

☐ Seal air leaks around pipe penetrations

☐ Locate main shutoff valve

☐ Check crawl spaces and utility rooms

Swamp Cooler

☐ Turn off water

☐ Turn off power

☐ Drain reservoir

☐ Clean unit

☐ Install winter cover

Need Help?

If you are not comfortable winterizing your irrigation system, swamp cooler, or plumbing components, contact a qualified plumber, HVAC technician, or irrigation professional. Professional winterization is often less expensive than repairing freeze damage after a cold snap.

Remember: A little preparation today can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars in repairs this winter.


Winterize Before You Freeze!

Protect your home, conserve water, and avoid costly winter repairs by preparing before the first hard freeze. If you're unsure how to winterize any system, don't hesitate to call a local professional.