It is necessary to winterize sprinkler systems in the fall to prevent water from freezing in the lines. The average cost to winterize a sprinkler system is between $59 and $144.
Water expands when it freezes, which can cause pipes, sprinkler heads, and irrigation valves to break—resulting in expensive repairs. This is why winterization is so important, but the costs of winterizing will vary depending on the size of your lawn and the draining method.
This cost guide gathers data from multiple cities across the U.S., including big metros and small towns, so you can get an accurate estimate of how much this project will cost you.
Cost by Location
Labor prices vary by the cost of living, the demand for services, and the accessibility of providers. The weather in your area also influences the cost of winterizing your sprinklers. If you live in a warm, tropical climate like Florida, where winters rarely freeze, winterizing isn’t necessary.
On the other hand, winterization costs are sometimes higher if you reside in an area that does not typically freeze but is expecting an unusually cold winter. See the table below for the average costs to winterize a sprinkler system across the country:
| City | Average Cost |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Providence, RI | $64 – $155 |
| New York, NY | $79 – $190 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $47 – $114 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $61 – $148 |
| Chicago, IL | $69 – $166 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Salem, OR | $58 – $140 |
| Seattle, WA | $66 – $159 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Houston, TX | $48 – $117 |
| Roswell, NM | $49 – $118 |
Cost by Number of Zones
Each zone in a sprinkler system is controlled by a separate valve that lets you water different areas of your lawn. On average, you’ll have two or more zones in a front or backyard, while a side yard or your shrubs will have one to two watering zones.
You will spend, on average, $50 per zone if your lawn sprinkler system has one or two watering zones. The average cost of a home with three or more sprinkler zones is around $25 per zone. That means that the larger the yard, the less you’ll pay for each zone.
For the average prices, please see the table below:
| Number of Zones | Average Cost |
| 1 to 2 zones | $50 to $75 |
| 3 to 4 zones | $80 to $100 |
| 5 to 6 zones | $100 to $130 |
| 7 to 8 zones | $150 to $250 |
Cost by Draining Method
Your sprinkler system is shielded from winter damage if it is drained before the temperature drops below freezing. The goal of winterizing is to remove all water from the system.
There are three methods for doing so: manual draining, automatic draining, and blowout. The drainage technique used affects the price of winterizing your sprinklers. The chart below provides an estimate of average costs by drainage method.
| Drainage Method | Average Cost |
| Manual drain method | $70 to $150 |
| Automatic drain method | $75 to $165 |
| Blowout drain method | $85 to $215 |
Manual Drain Method
The least expensive choice is a manual drain, which normally costs between $70 and $150. Your sprinkler system must include manual shut-off valves to use this winterizing technique.
Because water can collect in low areas of manual drainage systems, blowouts are highly recommended. Any moisture buildup can lead to the failure of pipes, sprinkler heads, and valves.
Automatic Drain Method
When the main water supply is shut off, systems with automatic drain valves should empty the water from the system. You should budget $75 to $165 if your sprinklers have this type of drain valve.
Even with automatic drain valves, the system may still require a blowout because water can collect and freeze in the pipes in low-lying areas. Furthermore, a few of the sprinklers may have check valves that restrict water flow to one direction only. To avoid breaking your sprinklers during a blowout, you must open your check valves.
Blowout Drain Method
The blowout method is the most efficient and effective technique to remove water from a sprinkler system whether you have automatic or manual drain valves. Technicians who choose this method use an air compressor to fill the pipes with compressed air, thereby forcing out any water that remains in the system.
Service technicians may recommend a blowout if your lawn’s slope prevents adequate drainage. Depending on the number of zones and other variables, the cost of a sprinkler system blowout can range from $85 to $215. Though it is the most expensive option, it gives you the best chance of avoiding future costly repairs caused by freezing water.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Most homeowners can drain their sprinkler systems without spending any money. However, to clear the lines of all water, a blowout is usually needed. Renting an air compressor will cost you between $30 and $60 per day for a do-it-yourself blowout. Keep in mind that improper winterization may result in expensive repairs.
It isn’t recommended to skip a blowout unless a qualified specialist advises you otherwise. Your sprinkler system could sustain severe damage if water is still in the pipes. Most sprinkler maintenance companies offer guarantees on their work, so you know you won’t be saddled with the high-cost repairs.
To learn more about this process, check out our article: How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System
Other Factors That Affect Cost
Here are a few other factors that can impact the cost to winterize your sprinkler system:
Service Package
Many irrigation companies offer annual contracts that include sprinkler system winterization. These packages usually include system checks and spring activation. Several lawn care services now provide winterization service packages that include both the lawn and the sprinklers. Service bundling is an excellent way to save money.
Time of Year
Winterizing your sprinklers in the fall is usually the most cost-effective option because sprinkler maintenance pros winterize all of their clients at the same time. You’ll not only save money, but it is also the ideal time to protect your sprinklers. It is best to schedule your service during the time frame specified by your pro.
Winterizing Outdoor Faucets
Garden hoses and outdoor faucets are also prone to freezing. To prevent having to buy a new garden hose or deal with faucet damage, you or the contractor should winterize faucets and hoses as well.
Spring Activation
To restart the system in the spring, a technician will normally come out as part of your winterization package or as part of a summer service agreement. When your sprinklers are activated, professionals will inspect and clean important components, carefully increase pressure in the system, and check for leaks.
Sprinkler system activation normally ranges from $45 to $140 and is done in the spring. You can save money by signing up for a yearly maintenance service contract that includes inspections, winterization, and spring activation.
FAQ
The job’s duration is dictated by the system’s size and the available airflow power. With a compressor that produces 80-100 cubic feet of air per minute, a professional may complete a zone in five minutes or less.
Usually, a sprinkler tune-up runs between $75 and $120. The size of your sprinkler system, the type of sprinkler heads, and the number of zones it has will affect the cost. However, regularly maintaining your system will save you money in repairs later.
To blow out a sprinkler system, you’ll need an air compressor with a minimum flow rate of 20 to 25 CFM (cubic feet per minute). Any less force and the air pressure isn’t sufficient to drive all the water from your sprinklers.
Note: This is a general recommendation. Check your sprinkler system manual for the minimum CFM needed to blow out your system.
Freeze-Proof Your Sprinklers
Winterizing costs far less than fixing burst pipes, cracked valves, or a split backflow preventer. Book a licensed pro to do this service for you with the right compressor.
If you’re experiencing problems with leaks, LawnStarter customers can get sprinkler repair from a local LawnStarter pro – simply submit a Manual Quote in the app, through your online account, or by calling Customer Support.
While you’re at it, line up the last mow of the season with a lawn care pro and a leaf cleanup so the lawn heads into winter tidy and clutter-free.
Maria Isabela Reis contributed to this article.
Note: LawnStarter may get a referral fee for matching you with contractors in your area.
Main Image: Winterizing sprinkler system in a lawn. Image Credit: Lost_in_the_Midwest / Adobe Stock
