As temperatures drop it is critical to begin winterizing your home.

As we get closer and closer to winter, it is becoming more important to winterize your home. 

Chief Communications Officer for the Truckee Meadows Water Authority, or TMWA, Robert Charpentier, says, "As a general rule, we tell people it's time to shut down your sprinklers by the end of October. You can do what you want, but that's when you start getting those morning freezes, and you can have real damage to your irrigation system."

With the unexpected taste of winter here in northern Nevada, Charpentier says you never know what weather you are going to get, whether it's freezing at the end of October or a nice day, it is still important to prepare for the cold. 

"You just turn off the controller, which is usually in your garage. Then you go outside and you turn off the main water supply to your sprinkler system," he said.

This simple process of shutting off and draining your sprinkler system can help save repair costs and water bill expenses. 

Experts tell us 90% of problems can be solved by draining your backflow pipes.

Owner of Tailored Lawn Care, Brett Gard, says, "Most of the issues are related to the backflow. It's just really crucial to make sure that that's completely drained. There are two little drain valves on there, and make sure that that's completely drained out."

TMWA also advises homeowners to disconnect drains and garden hoses to prevent overnight freezes, as well as closing vents and access covers that may expose indoor plumbing to the cold.Â