Protect Your Sprinkler System with Winterization: Step-by-Step Guide

Protect Your Sprinkler System with Winterization: Step-by-Step Guide

Table of Contents

1. Introduction
2. Importance of Winterizing Sprinkler Systems
3. Potential Damage Without Winterization
4. Automatic Drain vs. Digging Deeper
5. Considerations Before Blowing Out a System
6. Steps to Winterize a Sprinkler System
   • Shutting off the Water
   • Connecting the Air Compressor
   • Pressure and Volume Requirements
   • Importance of Proper Equipment
   • Blowing Out the System
   • Clearing Each Zone
   • Finishing Up
7. Preventing Water Accumulation
   • Disconnecting the Compressor Line
   • Draining the Supply Line and Backflow Preventer
8. Conclusion

Winterizing Sprinkler Systems: Protecting Your Irrigation System from Cold Weather

As the cold weather approaches, it becomes crucial for homeowners in colder climates to winterize their sprinkler systems. Failing to properly prepare your irrigation system for freezing temperatures can result in significant damage, including broken pipes and costly repairs. In this article, we will discuss the importance of winterizing sprinkler systems, the potential consequences of neglecting this task, and provide you with step-by-step instructions on how to winterize your system effectively.

Importance of Winterizing Sprinkler Systems

During the winter months, areas like the Midwest experience extended periods of freezing temperatures that can reach depths of up to 2-3 feet below the ground. If the water in the irrigation pipes is not completely drained, it can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to burst. This can lead to costly repairs and even render your sprinkler system unusable when the spring comes. Thus, winterizing your sprinkler system is essential to prevent such damage and ensure its longevity.

Potential Damage Without Winterization

Some homeowners may wonder why they can't simply use automatic drain systems or bury their pipes deeper to avoid winterizing. While these options may seem convenient or cost-effective, they come with their own set of issues. Automatic drain systems can waste a significant amount of water and have a higher chance of failure, resulting in either a high water bill or frozen and broken pipes. Burying the pipes deeper requires extensive trenching and adds a significant expense to the irrigation system. Therefore, winterizing remains the best method to protect your system.

Automatic Drain vs. Digging Deeper

To address the potential alternatives of automatic draining and burying pipes deeper, it is important to highlight their limitations. While automatic drain systems may seem like an ideal solution, they are not foolproof. They waste water and are prone to failure, leading to either high water bills or damaged pipes. On the other hand, burying the system deeper requires significant trenching and adds considerable expenses to the overall installation cost. Considering these downsides, winterizing the sprinkler system is still the most effective way to avoid damage caused by freezing temperatures.

Considerations Before Blowing Out a System

Before proceeding with the winterization process, it is crucial to consider a few factors. If you have above-ground piping or an RP (Reduced Pressure) backflow or PVB (Pressure Vacuum Breaker) backflow, these components are particularly vulnerable to freezing temperatures. Damaging these parts due to freezing can result in higher repair costs compared to the expense of properly winterizing the entire system. Similarly, systems with completely underground components, especially those with double-check backflow preventers, can be winterized later in the year. However, it is essential to take immediate action when temperatures drop below 30 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent any potential damage.

Steps to Winterize a Sprinkler System

To ensure the proper winterization of your sprinkler system, it is essential to follow these steps:

1. Shutting off the Water: Begin by turning off the water supply, which can usually be found in the basement or a dedicated pit in the ground.

   💡Pro tip: Turning off the water can prevent any potential damage during the winter.

2. Connecting the Air Compressor: Once the water supply is shut off, connect an air compressor to the system. It is crucial to use an air compressor capable of running at a pressure of around 80 PSI to prevent damage to the irrigation system.

   💡Pro tip: Using an air compressor specifically designed for winterizing sprinkler systems ensures a quicker and more thorough process.

3. Pressure and Volume Requirements: While homeowners may have an air compressor capable of achieving 80 PSI, it may not generate the same volume as specialized equipment. Using a compressor with adequate volume allows for a more efficient and thorough blowout, reducing the risk of water remaining in the system.

   💡Pro tip: Renting or purchasing a compressor dedicated to winterizing sprinkler systems is highly recommended for optimal results and time-saving.

4. Importance of Proper Equipment: Connecting the air compressor correctly is crucial to prevent damage to the system. It is essential always to connect the compressor after the backflow preventer, as running air through the backflow preventer can cause significant damage.

   💡Pro tip: Ensuring proper equipment usage and connections significantly reduces the risk of any adverse effects on the system.

5. Blowing Out the System: With the air compressor connected, turn on the controller to zone 1 and manually go through each individual zone. This process allows the air to push out any remaining water from the sprinkler system.

   💡Pro tip: A steady stream of water will initially come out of the sprinkler heads, which will gradually turn into a fog. The goal is to have each head spraying a fog before moving on to the next zone.

6. Clearing Each Zone: Clearing each zone is a critical step in the winterization process. Once all the water has been blown out of the system, shut off the compressor and return to the backflow preventer to ensure all water has been evacuated.

   💡Pro tip: Taking the time to clear each zone thoroughly guarantees that no water is left behind, minimizing the risk of damage.

7. Finishing Up: Finally, it is necessary to disconnect the line going back to the compressor and remove the adapter. Ensure the cap is loosely placed to allow any potential water accumulation to escape during the winter. Turn each ball valve and test cock a quarter turn to release any trapped water and prevent cracking.

   💡Pro tip: Opening the drain at the point of connection downstairs ensures any remaining water in the supply line is completely drained, reducing the risk of freezing and potential damage.

By diligently following these steps and properly winterizing your sprinkler system, you can protect it from freezing temperatures and minimize the risk of costly repairs.

Conclusion

Taking the time to winterize your sprinkler system is crucial in ensuring its longevity and preventing damage from freezing temperatures. By shutting off the water supply, connecting the appropriate air compressor, and thoroughly blowing out the system, you can effectively safeguard your irrigation system. Additionally, properly addressing potential water accumulation and drainage issues further reduces the risk of burst pipes or damage to critical components. Don't neglect this important maintenance task, as it can save you significant time, money, and headaches in the future.

For more information about winterizing your sprinkler system, contact your local Ewing branch or visit us online at Ewingirrigation.com.

Highlights:

• Winterizing your sprinkler system is crucial in preventing damage from freezing temperatures.
• Failing to winterize can result in costly repairs and render your system unusable in the spring.
• Automatic drain systems and burying pipes deeper have limitations and may lead to water wastage or increased expenses.
• Considerations such as above-ground piping and backflow preventers should be addressed before winterizing.
• Proper steps, including shutting off the water, connecting the air compressor, and blowing out the system, must be followed.
• Clearing each zone thoroughly and addressing potential water accumulation ensures system protection.
• Winterization helps maintain the longevity of your sprinkler system and prevents costly repairs.

FAQ

Q: How often should I winterize my sprinkler system? A: It is recommended to winterize your sprinkler system before the first freeze of the season to prevent any potential damage.

Q: Can I use a regular air compressor to blow out my system? A: While a regular air compressor may generate 80 PSI, it might not provide the necessary volume required for a thorough blowout. It is best to use a compressor specifically designed for winterizing sprinkler systems.

Q: What happens if I don't winterize my sprinkler system? A: Failing to winterize your sprinkler system can lead to frozen and burst pipes, damage to backflow preventers, and costly repairs in the spring.

Q: Can I bury my sprinkler system deeper to avoid winterization? A: Burying the sprinkler system deeper would require trenching lines several feet below the freeze line, which adds significant expense to the installation. Winterization remains the most effective method to prevent damage.

Q: How can I prevent water accumulation in the system? A: Disconnecting the compressor line, ensuring the cap is loosely placed, and opening drains at the point of connection help prevent water accumulation and reduce the risk of freezing and damage to the system.