Why It's Important to Winterize Your Irrigation System & How to Do It
Why It’s Important to Winterize Your Irrigation System & How to Do It
If you live in an area of the country that experiences a noticeable temperature drop this time of year and you have an irrigation system, you should definitely make sure you winterize your system to prepare.
Here’s why it’s an important task to do during the late fall months, and how you can get started with the process.
Why Winterizing Your Irrigation System is Important
So, why should you consider winterizing your irrigation system?
The main reason for doing this task before the really cold weather hits is to ensure that all of the water has been removed from the line, otherwise, the system will freeze. If this isn’t completed properly, you could be looking at some inconvenient damage when spring rolls around next year. Also, if water remains in the pipe during a freeze, it could cause the fittings or pipes to burst.
You should typically begin this process once the ground starts to freeze consistently. If the area you live in has a milder winter, this can typically wait until either October or November, but more extreme climates should consider starting this in September.
How to Prepare Your Irrigation System for the Winter
Now that you have an idea of how important it is to make sure your irrigation system is ready for the cold, here’s how the process works.
First things first, you will need to shut off the water for your system. You should also make sure it is wrapped in some kind of insulation in order to avoid excess moisture and freezing. If your system does not have a main shut off valve, it may be a good idea to add one for preventative treatment. Any piping above the ground will need additional insulation as well.
For automatic systems, the timer will need to be shut down. If this controller also controls a pump, the wires connected to both the master valve and other terminals should be disconnected to avoid any accidental activations which could potentially cause issues from overheating.
Next, you will want to drain the pipes of any water. The process can be done in several ways including an automatic or a manual drain valve, or it can be blown out with compressed air.
Because there are potential safety hazards when it comes to winterizing your irrigation system, you may want to consider hiring a professional for the job.
Why You Should Hire Professionals for Wintering Your Irrigation System
If you are uncomfortable going through this process on your own, you should definitely contact your local irrigation specialist.
For those of you in the San Francisco Bay Area, consider contacting Homescape Now for all of your irrigation system needs! We can assist with installation, upkeep, insulation, and any other questions you may have. Give us a call today!
