How to Clear a Sprinkler System of Water

While sprinkler systems are relatively low-maintenance most of the year, they are prone to damage during cold periods. Water that freezes inside sprinkler systems can lead to cracked or broken pipes which are difficult and expensive to repair, especially if they are underground. You might also need to drain a sprinkler to conduct routine maintenance or to add or replace pipes. Completely removing water from the system can be tricky, but the potential damage caused by frozen pipes makes it worth the effort.

Drain valves
Pipe caps
Wet vacuum
Duct tape

Instructions

- 1
  Locate the main shutoff valve for the sprinkler system and close it, preventing new water from entering the system.
- 2
  Locate the sprinkler timer (controller) and either cut its power (which saves electricity but erases your settings) or set it to rain mode (which will save your settings but disable automatic activation).
- 3
  Remove the backflow preventer from the sprinkler system. Thoroughly dry it and put it into storage.
- 4
  Remove water from the risers with a wet vacuum, using duct tape to create a seal between the vacuum and the pipe if necessary. Install caps on the risers after removing water.
- 5
  Open any drain valves on the system and allow water to drain from the pipes. Remove the drain valves and thoroughly dry them before putting them into storage, then cap the pipes.
- 6
  Remove all sprinkler heads. Thoroughly dry them and put them into storage, and cap any remaining open pipes.
- 7
  Use a wet vacuum to remove any remaining water from the system.

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