How to Prepare Your Sprinkler System for Winter

1. Find Your Sprinkler Shutoff Valve

The shutoff for your sprinkler system is usually inside, often in a garage, utility room, basement, or crawlspace.

It helps to find your backflow device outside first. It’s the assembly of pipes and valves near the foundation of your house. The shutoff valve is usually on the inside wall near that spot.

2. Make Sure It’s the Sprinkler Line

Your sprinkler line and your house water line both come off the main water supply, but they look different:

• Sprinkler line: runs straight to the outside with no other branches.
• House water line: splits into several branches that feed the rest of your home.
  
  

3. Turn Off the Valve

Turn the valve handle a quarter turn (90 degrees) so it sits crosswise to the pipe. That’s the “off” position.

4. Double-Check

Turn on a faucet inside your house.

• If water runs: You shut off the right valve. You’re all set.
• If no water comes out: You turned off your main water supply by mistake. Turn that valve back on and look for the sprinkler shutoff again.
  
  

Need Help?

If you can’t find your shutoff or aren’t sure you have the right valve, let us know when you schedule. Our technician can locate it for you. Call 406-543-6707 or schedule your sprinkler blowout.