Without proper provision , the sprinkler system that kept your plants alive all yr could be damaged by freezing temperatures . Sprinkler systems are n’t designed to withstand a deep freeze , so you should con how to winterise a sprinkler system .
Yourspray irrigationspent the warmer month keeping your lawn green and your vegetables well - watered . These systems must be put to residual if you live in an area with temperatures that drop below 32 ° fluorine . Winterizing should be make out before the first frost appears , in fiat to prevent ice buildup , which could burst your pipes and damage valves and fittings .
Preparing for winter involves more than just drain the water out of your irrigation system . Some weewee always remain , and that water supply can block , expand , and snap PVC piping . Yes , that rigid white pipe can break under the expansion of freezing and unfreezing water .
So , let ’s take a looking at everything you need to know about how to winterize sprinkler system .
The Steps to Winterize Sprinkler System
Here are the steps that you need to complete in purchase order to winterise your sprinkler organization . you could contact a handyman or irrigation company if you are n’t certain about the appropriate steps .
1.Shut off the Water Supply
All sprinkler system of rules have a main shut - off point . It might be located in your basement , a crawlspace , or underground in a valve box . Valve boxes can be swallow up up to 5 feet underground .
No , you do n’t have to poke them up ! These box need a long key to shut off . If you do n’t have the key fruit , you want to find the contractile organ that installed the arrangement or connect with the company that cook up the organisation to get a replacement .
Shut off valves should turn speedily , so do n’t force it . Just turn the valve to the indicated off position . This step is the easiest !
2.Drain the Pipes
You need to slay all of the water supply from the pipework and sprinkler that you could . verify that you shut off the water supply to the irrigation system before doing this step .
Doing so help to foreclose the freeze and expand wheel that breaks the pipework . There are several ways to drain pipes :
If you do n’t feel comfortable using press air , the manual waste pipe method is an easy way to winterize your sprinkler system . you could habituate this method acting when the manual valve are connected to your house piddle source . There will be a backflowing preventer that stops sprinkler water supply from flowing into your house .
All you have to do is close off the irrigation water supply and open all of the manual waste pipe valves . Shut off the backflow valvebefore you launch the manual drainpipe . afford the manual drain valve lets any water system trapped indoors to flux out with the avail of sombreness . It can take prison term for the water to drain out .
Once all of the pee is drained out of the mainline , you could start the boiler drainage valve or the drainage cap on the stop and waste valve . This is when you require to drain all of the remaining weewee that is between the irrigation water shut off valve and backflow gadget .
It ’s essential to pay attention to make trusted all of the water has drained out of the backflowing , piping , and sprinklers . Once you are sure all of the water has been drained out , you’re able to close all of the manual drainage valve . The somberness approach is n’t foolproof because low spots can pull in water , so be conservative if you opt for this method .
The easiest of all is if you have a high-pitched - remnant sprinkler system with integrate pumps for automatic draining . While the upfront cost of these systems is much higher , it means all you have to do is follow the instructions for your system to prepare it for wintertime . Typically , the operation is initiated from the control panel .
One of the most plebeian method to winterize your sprinkler system is the compressor air blow - out . This method uses an air compressor to clear water from your sprinkler system . Even if you expend the magnanimous home compressor that you find , chances are it ’s not brawny enough to foul up out the entire irrigation organisation at once . You might need to do it zone by zone .
If you have rigid PVC piping , use a maximum of 80 psi and 50 pounds per square inch for flexible black polythene pipe . You need to make indisputable you use the right-hand amount of atmospheric pressure . Make trusted you turn over off the weewee supply and start the manual drain valve at the goal of the zone if the timekeeper opens just one area .
Pay near tending to the process . You do n’t want to exaggerate the blow - out because the charge card gear mechanism can fade in minutes . Once the hose blows ironical , move to the next zone .
Here are a few thing that you should remember .
3.Insulate Your System
You shut off the main valve whenever you drain the pipes , but this valve call for to be protected against freeze as well . The best way to do this is to wrap the master valve with insularity , typically froth insulation tape and a plastic bag .
insularism is an crucial dance step to winterization . It protects the valve from the freeze , damaging wintertime temperatures . Not everyone has a main shut off valve , but you could get one instal as a preventative investment .
Remember that any above - ground piping needs to be insulate during the winter . ego - sticking froth - insulating tape or tubes can be found at almost any home supply store .
4.Control Your Sprinkler System
Do you have an automatonlike system ? If so , then you will need to close down the controller , or the timer . Many accountant have a rain mood that shuts off the signals to the valves . look on your system , the restrainer for your automatic system might keep clock time , computer programing data , and a clock that runs throughout the wintertime .
You will require to verify that your valves do n’t set off during the winter . If the controller activates the heart , you may withdraw the telegram link up to the overlord valve and any standard terminal . Doing so prevents the signals from being sent , so you never have to worry that it will accidentally set off .
The other option , alternatively of using the rain mode , is just to close off the great power to the controller . The only subject with doing this is that you will ask to reprogram the time and all of your options in the spring . That can be a pain in the fag , bet on the organization that you have .
5.Protect Valves and Stop Backflow
The next step is to insulate backflow preventers and valve if they are situate above the ground . These systems run from residential district water , and they might have two kinds of backflow equipment . If you do n’t have a backflow gimmick , you do n’t need to do this step .
bet on the eccentric of backflow you have , you might demand to do nothing because they ’re purged with the arrangement . A pressure vacuum breaker should be quiz cocked back and forth several time . You need to leave it half - open to stop moisture from building up . you’re able to apply insulant tape for this step . Just check that you do n’t immobilise any aura vents and drainpipe outlets .
6.Consider Your Pump
Do you have a organization that is equipped with a removable heart , you should disconnect the ticker and bring it at heart for the wintertime . The ticker might be settle under a masking in your thousand . Fully integrated pump need to be protect with a pliant bag or an insularism mantle .
Consider a Professional
If you do n’t feel comfortable doing this on your own , your local extension agency should have suggestion to facilitate you touch a local irrigation medical specialist . If you utilize sprinkler or lawn services , these companies typically offer winterization service .
While winterization is typically an easy DIY job , it does require crop knowledge of your specific sprinkler system , including each irrigation zone . So , if you do n’t understand your system well , deliver a trained professional ensures nothing pass away incorrect .
Also , the black eye - out method acting can cause equipment casualty to the arrangement if it ’s not do right . Also , not everyone has access to a strong aura compressor . you’re able to rip them , but that ’s an expense you might desire to spend on a professional instead .
Review the Owner’s Guide
Before you get start with the winterization of your sprinkler system , always review your possessor ’s templet for detailed instruction . Most contractors supply owner with guides to help you prepare your irrigation organisation for the winter months . Prevention is key to ensuring no damage are done to your sprinkler arrangement .
Learning how to winterise your sprinkler system ensures that it will start and operate next leaping without any headaches or worries . While it might be a bit complicated at first , properly winterize your irrigation organization will save you money . Broken pipe are an special expense that no one wants to spend , so save yourself a few Pearl Sydenstricker Buck and take these steps .
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