Winterize Self Draining Sprinkler System

To completely remove water from the system a purge must be completed using compressed air.

Winterize self draining sprinkler system.

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. For more home repair how tos home improvement help technology tips garden hints re. Protect valves and backflow preventers. To minimize the risk of freeze damage you ll need to winterize your irrigation system.

After opening the valves the water in the mainline of the system should drain out on its own. 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. Follow these steps to blow out an underground sprinkler system. Below the freezing point some of the most critical components of a sprinkler system can be damaged.

There are several ways to drain your pipes. A manual drain valve an automatic drain valve or the compressed air blow out method. As a general rule you should winterize your system at least a week before the first freeze is expected. In areas where winterization is mandatory irrigation systems are installed using one of three types of water removal.

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. Locate the manual drain valves situated downstream of each zone valve. Keep an eye on the local weather reports in the newspaper or on television for when the first freeze of the year is expected. Where you live plays a big part in which steps you will need to follow.

Winterizing is fairly easy to learn and most do it yourselfers already own the necessary tools for the job. Then connect the air line to the blow out port as shown. If you don t know your system type it is best to use the blowout method. However since there could be potential safety risks we recommend contacting your local irrigation specialist.

Get your self draining underground sprinkling system ready for winter. Step 1 shut off the water supply. Many offer sprinkler winterization services this time of the year. How to winterize a sprinkler system.

Next open the manual drain valve at the end of that zone if equipped. Then turn off the water supply and set the system timer to open just one zone.