Winterize Self Draining Sprinkler System

Get your self draining underground sprinkling system ready for winter.

Winterize self draining sprinkler system.

Where you live plays a big part in which steps you will need to follow. However since there could be potential safety risks we recommend contacting your local irrigation specialist. Set the compressor air pressure regulator to a maximum of 80 psi for rigid pvc pipe systems or 50 psi for flexible black polyethylene pipe. In this how to guide to winterization we will take a look at the steps involved in winterizing your sprinkler system in a cold climate.

Winterizing is fairly easy to learn and most do it yourselfers already own the necessary tools for the job. Locate the manual drain valves situated downstream of each zone valve. How to winterize a sprinkler system. Then turn off the water supply and set the system timer to open just one zone.

Keep an eye on the local weather reports in the newspaper or on television for when the first freeze of the year is expected. If you don t know your system type it is best to use the blowout method. Many offer sprinkler winterization services this time of the year. Step 1 shut off the water supply.

To minimize the risk of freeze damage you ll need to winterize your irrigation system. As temperatures outside drop below the freezing point of water water in your sprinkler system pipes can freeze into ice and expand causing your pipes to burst as a result. Winterization is an important part of maintaining a properly running lawn sprinkler system. After opening the valves the water in the mainline of the system should drain out on its own.

In areas where winterization is mandatory irrigation systems are installed using one of three types of water removal. A manual drain valve an automatic drain valve or the compressed air blow out method. Protect valves and backflow preventers. Next open the manual drain valve at the end of that zone if equipped.

Manual drain auto drain or blowout. Below the freezing point some of the most critical components of a sprinkler system can be damaged. For more home repair how tos home improvement help technology tips garden hints re. As a general rule you should winterize your system at least a week before the first freeze is expected.

There are several ways to drain your pipes. To completely remove water from the system a purge must be completed using compressed air.