Hello World! Welcome Friends! Home irrigation systems work wonders keeping lawns green during summer. Many homeowners really appreciate the convenience these systems provide. Being able to simply set a timer and have the lawn automatically watered on a set schedule without having to worry about moving sprinklers around is extremely convenient.
However, when the weather turns cold care must be taken to prevent irrigation systems from freezing. Frozen lines can expand, break and rupture. Causing expensive damage to irrigation systems and backflow valve covers with potential for messy flooding.
To Winterize Your Lawn Irrigation System, You Will Need to Follow These Steps:
- Drain the system: Turn off the water supply to the irrigation system and open all of the valves and faucets to allow the water to drain out of the pipes.
- Disconnect and store hoses: Disconnect all hoses from the irrigation system and store them in a dry place.
- Blow out the system: Use an air compressor or a blowout adapter to blow out the water from the pipes. This will help to prevent the pipes from freezing and bursting during the winter. If you don’t have an air compressor, you don’t have to buy one. There are companies that offer air compressors for rent.
- Cover the irrigation control box: If you have an irrigation control box, cover it with a protective cover to protect it from the elements.
- Shut off the water supply: Close the main water supply valve to the irrigation system.
- Consider adding antifreeze: If you live in an area where the temperatures regularly drop below freezing, you may want to consider adding a small amount of non-toxic antifreeze to the system to help prevent the pipes from freezing.
- Check for leaks: Before you turn the system back on in the spring, be sure to check all of the pipes and fittings for leaks.
Backflow prevention valves are constructed of thin metal and contain delicate seals, o-rings and components easily damaged by freezing water when it expands.
There are Several Steps You Can Take to Prevent a Backflow Valve From Freezing:
Realistic fake rocks can also be used to enclose backflow valves and help to conceal them and blend them into the natural landscaping. Some fake rocks can be purchased with insulation included to provide wind protection in addition to added R-value.
Allow the valve to drain: If the valve has a drain, make sure that it is open and that any water can drain out of the valve. This can help to prevent the water inside the valve from freezing.
Use antifreeze: Adding a small amount of non-toxic antifreeze to the valve can help to prevent the water inside the valve from freezing.
Keep the area around the valve clear: If the valve is located in an area that is prone to freezing, make sure to keep the area around the valve clear of snow and ice. This can help to prevent the valve from freezing.
By following these steps, you can help to prevent your irrigation system from freezing and ensure that it continues to function properly. Frozen irrigation systems can produce a messy headache that is labor intensive and expensive to repair. The simple precautions outlined in this article are easy to do and can make your home irrigation system last for many years to come!
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