How to Turn Off a Sprinkler System for Repairs or Winterization

Don’t get swamped with a sprinkler system leak

Dow playing in the backyard with the sprinkler
Photo: Giacomo Augugliaro / Moment / Getty Images
Dow playing in the backyard with the sprinkler
Photo: Giacomo Augugliaro / Moment / Getty Images
Kristi Pahr
Written by Kristi Pahr
Contributing Writer
Updated December 18, 2023
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In the middle of summer, there’s nothing better than having an automatic sprinkler system take care of your watering duties. But sprinklers need maintenance and, occasionally, repair. Whether you’re prepping for winter’s deep freezes or have a leak, knowing how to turn off a sprinkler system is essential. 

1. Turn Off the System at the Control Panel

Most outdoor sprinkler systems have an indoor control panel, usually in the garage. If your control panel is digital, it likely has a button to turn on “rain mode,” which is a simple way to turn your system off but save the settings. For long-term shut-off, you can simply power down the entire system. Each sprinkler system manufacturer has a different shutdown procedure, so check your manual or the manufacturer's website for step-by-step instructions.

2. Close the Shut-Off Valve

Closeup of a person shutting off water valve
Photo: Steven White / iStock / Getty Images Plus

The next step is to locate your shut-off valve. This mechanism is usually located in a basement or garage on an exterior wall. The shut-off is likely a ball valve. To close it, turn the handle perpendicular to the waterline it’s attached to.

3. Drain Any Remaining Water

After closing the shut-off valve, find the manual drain valves.These are located downstream from each zone of your system. Then, open the valves to drain any water remaining in the system.

4. Remove Sprinkler Heads

The final step of this process is to remove the sprinkler heads to drain the remaining water. That way, you’ll avoid damage from a freeze. You can easily unscrew the head by turning it to the left. If your heads are caked with gunk, you may need to give them a clean or use a wrench to help you out. 

Taking Care of Your Sprinkler System

If you’re learning how to turn off a sprinkler system, chances are good that it’s for repairs or winterization. Great work! Keeping up with repairs and protecting your system during the winter are great ways to ensure the longevity of your sprinklers. Here are more tips for taking care of a sprinkler system and decreasing the amount of repairs you need.

  • Clean your sprinkler heads regularly, around once per month.

  • Call a pro at least one a year for a professional inspection. 

  • Do a walk-around of your system every so often to check for leaks or other obvious issues. 

  • Never dig in your yard before marking off where your irrigation lines are; you could hit and rupture them. 

  • Don’t ignore strange symptoms with your system. If you notice your sprinklers have too much or too little water pressure, pooling water where there wasn’t any before, or visible damage, call in a pro as soon as you can for a repair.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro 

Shutting down your sprinkler system manually is a reasonably simple task as long as the components of your system are in working condition. It shouldn’t take you more than 10 minutes alone. If you’re having trouble with a leaky system or other sprinkler-related issue, contact a local sprinkler company to identify the problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

You may need to shut off your system for repairs. You’ll also need to shut your sprinkler system off for the winter to winterize it, which prevents damage when freezing temps roll in. If you don’t shut off your system, the water inside will freeze and expand in the pipes. This expansion will quickly damage your pipes, potentially even leading to a pipe burst, massive leaking and flooding, and damage to your yard and home’s foundation. Turning off your system allows you to properly drain it of water and avoid some costly issues.

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Learn more about our contributor
Kristi Pahr
Written by Kristi Pahr
Contributing Writer
Kristi Pahr is a professional writer and habitual mover. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, and many other national outlets.
Kristi Pahr is a professional writer and habitual mover. Her work has appeared in the New York Times, Washington Post, Real Simple, Good Housekeeping, and many other national outlets.
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