Winterize Self Draining Sprinkler System

However since there could be potential safety risks we recommend contacting your local irrigation specialist.

Winterize self draining sprinkler system.

Protect valves and backflow preventers. Next open the manual drain valve at the end of that zone if equipped. Step 1 shut off the water supply. Manual drain auto drain or blowout.

A manual drain valve an automatic drain valve or the compressed air blow out method. Locate the manual drain valves situated downstream of each zone valve. For more home repair how tos home improvement help technology tips garden hints re. Then turn off the water supply and set the system timer to open just one zone.

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. To completely remove water from the system a purge must be completed using compressed air. Where you live plays a big part in which steps you will need to follow. As a general rule you should winterize your system at least a week before the first freeze is expected.

Then connect the air line to the blow out port as shown. In areas where winterization is mandatory irrigation systems are installed using one of three types of water removal. Many offer sprinkler winterization services this time of the year. Keep an eye on the local weather reports in the newspaper or on television for when the first freeze of the year is expected.

These are the ones at the lowest points in the sprinkler system which is where water collects when the system is shut off. How to winterize a sprinkler system. To minimize the risk of freeze damage you ll need to winterize your irrigation system. 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.

If you don t know your system type it is best to use the blowout method. After opening the valves the water in the mainline of the system should drain out on its own. 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. Follow these steps to blow out an underground sprinkler system.

Winterizing is fairly easy to learn and most do it yourselfers already own the necessary tools for the job. Below the freezing point some of the most critical components of a sprinkler system can be damaged.