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It's essential to safeguard your outdoor assets during winter — particularly your sprinkler system. Malorny / Getty ImagesFor those in colder regions where frost and snow are common, it’s crucial to protect outdoor items to ensure they’ll be ready when spring temperatures arrive. A key task on your list should be: "Winterize sprinkler system".
Many homeowners fail to realize how crucial this task is for their sprinkler system's continued performance — and they end up paying the price for neglecting it! Thankfully, this article will guide you through the process of properly draining and blowing out your sprinkler system, while also highlighting the consequences of skipping this step.
Why is it Crucial to Winterize?
As the colder seasons set in, it's essential to get your garden and irrigation systems ready for the challenging weather ahead. Winterizing your sprinkler system is a major part of this preparation. This process involves removing water from the pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads to avoid freezing and potential damage.
This task is necessary because when water freezes, it expands, which can lead to serious harm to your sprinkler system. Imagine how much it might cost to repair or replace your system come spring — it could be quite expensive!
How to Get Your Sprinkler System Ready for Winter
To winterize your sprinkler system and prepare it for the frigid months ahead, follow these simple steps:
- Turn off the water supply. Depending on your system’s setup, you can find the main valve (sometimes called the manual drain valve or master shutoff valve) in the basement, utility room, or outdoor shed.
- Manually drain the water from your irrigation system. Lower the pressure in the system’s pipes by opening the hose bib. Use a large bucket to catch the water coming from the pipes. Be ready to get wet, as water will likely spurt out due to the pipe pressure [source: Zawacki].
- Rent or purchase an air compressor from a local equipment rental store. Set up the compressor. Most models can be charged up to 120 pounds per square inch of compressed air, but avoid using this high of a pressure to prevent damaging your system. Experts recommend charging the compressor to 60 pounds per square inch [source: Higgins, Swift].
- Connect the compressor to the hose bib, ensuring that the compressor is off. You may need to get creative to create a secure seal between the hose bib and the compressor, as the fittings often don’t match.
- Turn on the compressor and drain the hoses, starting from the farthest zone and working your way toward the closest. Run the sprinkler for about two minutes in each zone. Observe the water spraying from the system — once it turns from mist to air, you can move on to the next zone. After completing the closest zone, your sprinkler system is effectively blown out [source: Zawacki].
- Lastly, be sure to insulate any exposed components of your sprinkler system, such as valves and backflow preventers, to protect them from freezing temperatures.
Using 'Rain Mode' and Backflow Isolation Valves for Winterization
Many modern sprinkler systems come equipped with a 'rain mode' function, which can be particularly helpful during the winterization process. Activating 'rain mode' shuts off the active watering schedule without changing the preset programming, offering a seamless transition between seasons.
In addition, backflow isolation valves must be properly handled. These valves prevent contaminated water from flowing back into the main water supply. During winterization, ensure these valves are securely in place and insulated to maintain the integrity of your system and protect water quality.
The Function of Compressor Valves, Drain Outlets, and Air Vents in Automatic Draining
A compressor valve is essential for the 'blow-out' technique used in winterizing sprinkler systems. This valve allows compressed air to move through the pipes, ensuring that any remaining water is effectively cleared out. At the same time, it’s important to inspect the drain outlets in your system to make sure they are clear and functioning properly, as these outlets enable the water to exit during the automatic draining process.
Air vents in the system also require a check to ensure they are open and unobstructed. These vents are crucial for the automatic draining process, as they facilitate the circulation of air through the system, preventing water from getting trapped and freezing.
Pre-Winterization Maintenance Checks
Before beginning the winterization process, it’s crucial to conduct a full maintenance check on your sprinkler system. Look for signs of wear such as leaks, broken sprinkler heads, or damaged pipes. Tackling these issues before winter arrives is essential.
By performing repairs ahead of time, you can avoid further damage caused by freezing temperatures. This proactive approach not only extends the lifespan of your sprinkler system but also ensures it will function efficiently for the upcoming season.
The Risks of Ignoring Winterization
Neglecting to winterize your sprinkler system can result in a number of issues. The most frequent problem is pipes bursting due to water freezing and expanding inside them. This damages the system’s functionality and can lead to costly repairs. Replacing a single backflow device can cost an average of $300, but the expense could rise to as much as $1,000!
The impact of freezing damage can also extend to other areas of your garden, compromising the health and aesthetics of your landscape. In extreme cases, leaks from broken pipes can cause soil erosion and even threaten the structural integrity of your home’s foundation.
Why Professional Help Can Be Beneficial
While you can winterize your sprinkler system yourself, there are advantages to hiring a professional, especially if you have a large or complicated irrigation setup. Professionals bring the right expertise and tools to the job, ensuring your system is winterized effectively and minimizing the risk of damage.
They can also offer expert advice and tailored suggestions for your unique landscape requirements. Furthermore, many professional services provide spring inspections and maintenance, ensuring your sprinkler system is ready for the upcoming growing season.
