Step-by-Step Guide: How to Winterise Your Irrigation System in the UK

As the colder months arrive in the UK, many homeowners overlook one essential task — irrigation system winterisation.

Failing to properly shut down your irrigation system for winter can lead to cracked pipes, damaged valves, broken sprinklers, and costly repairs once spring arrives.

To help you protect your investment, here’s a simple, step-by-step guide on how to prepare your irrigation system for winter safely and efficiently.

Step 1. Turn Off the Water Supply

What you can do yourself:

• Shut off the main water valve supplying your irrigation system.

• Switch off the pump and drain any remaining water from it.

• Disconnect all hoses and additional outdoor taps.

• If your system includes a tank or reservoir, make sure the water supply is turned off and the filling valve is empty.

  
  

Why this matters: Standing water inside pipes can freeze and expand during low temperatures, causing cracks — especially in PVC or rigid plastic pipes.

Step 2. Drain Water Through the Drain Valves

• Open all drain valves in each irrigation zone to allow water to flow out.

• Use the controller (or manually open the valves) to release any trapped water.

Why this matters: Even small amounts of water left in the pipes can expand when frozen, leading to cracked fittings and damaged valves.

Step 3. Blow Out the System With Compressed Air (if available)

• A professional irrigation team typically uses an air compressor to remove all water from pipes and valves.

• If you don’t have a compressor or aren’t confident using one, you can leave all drain valves open for several days or slightly lift low-lying hoses to let the water flow out naturally.

  
  

Safety note:Using compressed air requires caution — incorrect pressure can damage pipes or fittings. If you’re unsure, it’s best to contact a professional.

Why this matters:Compressed air removes any remaining water that could freeze, expand and cause serious damage to pipes, valves or sprinklers.Keep in mind that without this step, some sections may still hold water, increasing the risk of frost damage.

Step 4. Inspect Valves and Connections 

What you can do yourself:

• Slightly open solenoid valves to confirm that all water has drained out.

• Inspect all fittings, joints, and pipes for cracks or weak spots.

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Why this matters: Frozen water can damage valves, diaphragms, and electronic components — leading to costly repairs in spring.

✅ Winter Shutdown Checklist for Irrigation Systems

1. Shut off the water supply.

2. Switch off the pump and power equipment.

3. Check that drain valves are open.

4. Remove any remaining water using a compressor (if available).

5. Ensure all valves, sprinklers, and pipes are dry.

6. Clean and check all filters.

7. Remove and store your tap timer indoors.

8. Set your irrigation controller to winter mode (if available).

Please note:

These steps are general recommendations for winterising irrigation systems in the UK.Depending on your specific system — for example, whether it includes pumps, filters, or automatic drainage points — some actions may vary.

Professional Support

If you’re not sure whether you’ve completed all the steps correctly, or simply want the peace of mind that everything is properly protected, our team is here to help.

At Irrigation Solutions Ltd, we provide full irrigation system winterisation services across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Essex and London — ensuring your garden, lawn or commercial landscape stays safe throughout the winter.

💧 Free consultation and quote available — simply fill in the form on our website, or contact us by phone or email. https://www.irrigation-solutions.co.uk/bookonline