Winterize Self Draining Sprinkler System

Follow these steps to blow out an underground sprinkler system.

Winterize self draining sprinkler system.

These are the ones at the lowest points in the sprinkler system which is where water collects when the system is shut off. Where you live plays a big part in which steps you will need to follow. Keep an eye on the local weather reports in the newspaper or on television for when the first freeze of the year is expected. Manual drain auto drain or blowout.

Winterizing is fairly easy to learn and most do it yourselfers already own the necessary tools for the job. Many offer sprinkler winterization services this time of the year. A manual drain valve an automatic drain valve or the compressed air blow out method. In areas where winterization is mandatory irrigation systems are installed using one of three types of water removal.

Step 1 shut off the water supply. Below the freezing point some of the most critical components of a sprinkler system can be damaged. Locate the manual drain valves situated downstream of each zone valve. There are several ways to drain your pipes.

Protect valves and backflow preventers. After opening the valves the water in the mainline of the system should drain out on its own. Then connect the air line to the blow out port as shown. 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.

Next open the manual drain valve at the end of that zone if equipped. As a general rule you should winterize your system at least a week before the first freeze is expected. For more home repair how tos home improvement help technology tips garden hints re. 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. Winterization is an important part of maintaining a properly running lawn sprinkler system. To completely remove water from the system a purge must be completed using compressed air.

Then turn off the water supply and set the system timer to open just one zone. Get your self draining underground sprinkling system ready for winter.