How to Winterize an Inground Sprinkler With a Leaf Blower

Turn off the water supply to the inground sprinkler system. The main shut-off valve is usually located in the valve box in the ground.

Locate a hose bib or drain on the main line to connect the leaf blower. Look for one on or near the backflow preventer, the device that stops non-potable water from flowing back into the drinking water system.

Attach the nozzle of the leaf blower to the main line with a pipe-to-hose adapter. Make sure the drain on the supply line is closed.

Set the sprinkler controller to the first zone and turn the leaf blower on. Let it run for three to four minutes, or until the water turns to misty air and finally only air emerges from the sprinkler heads. Turn off that zone and open up the next one.

Switch from irrigation zone to zone while the leaf blower sends air into the sprinkler system. It is not necessary to get each drop of water from the lines, but when the majority of water is removed, it will help your inground sprinkler system avoid the risk of freezing and bursting.

Close the main drain valve after the irrigation system is blown out. Disconnect the controller from your automatic inground sprinkler system. Set it to a dormant or "rain mode," which stops all cycles but keeps programming information.