Drain
Remove standing water from containers, hoses and removable lines.
Backyard watering equipment often fails in small places: a fitting that still holds water, a hose left sharply bent, or a removable connector that disappears over winter. The goal is not to rebuild the whole system. It is to drain what can freeze, inspect what can crack and store the pieces you will need again.
Inspect
Find cracks, loose fittings and worn seals before storage.
Store
Keep removable pieces dry, labeled and together.
1. Check local weather and manufacturer guidance
Use your local freeze timing and the instructions for each barrel, pump, timer, filter or irrigation component. Systems that remain connected to household plumbing may require a qualified professional. Never assume one shutdown procedure fits every installation.
2. Disconnect removable equipment
Shut off the water source as appropriate, then disconnect hoses, timers, splitters and removable fittings. Do not force frozen or seized connections. Keep washers, caps and small adapters in a labeled container rather than loose in a shed.
3. Drain trapped water
Empty hoses and removable lines by working from one end to the other without sharp bends. Follow the maker's instructions for rain barrels, pumps and filters. Redirect discharged water to a safe location that will not create erosion, ice or foundation problems.
If water access, storage and garden placement keep creating extra work, plan them as one backyard system instead of isolated purchases.
Compare the broader planning framework →Paid affiliate link · We may earn a commission.4. Inspect fittings, seals and containers
Look for cracks, bulges, brittle plastic, worn washers and leaking joints. Mark questionable parts now so they are not quietly reused in spring. Replace components only with compatible parts and follow product instructions.
5. Store without sharp bends or damp piles
Coil hoses in broad loops and keep them off damp ground. Store removable parts dry and protected from direct weather. Leave permanent valves and fixtures in the position recommended by their manufacturer or your plumbing professional.
Ready to connect water planning with the rest of your backyard?
The Self-Sufficient Backyard is a paid third-party guide covering a broader collection of backyard projects. Review the seller's description and decide whether its scope fits your property, climate, budget and goals.
See what the complete guide includes →Paid affiliate link. We may earn a commission if you purchase, at no additional cost to you. We do not promise specific results.General educational information only. Follow manufacturer instructions, local regulations and appropriate plumbing guidance. Never alter pressurized or household-connected systems unless qualified to do so.