Further, you will need to have the broken pipes removed and replaced – all in the dead of winter. 1) Avoid cracked pipes and burst lines. Check out the following blogs and videos for more on how to winterize an irrigation system. Running the sprinkler system when it is 32 degrees Fahrenheit or below is cause for concern. Instead, they charge a flat rate based on the number of watering zones.
Blow-Out Draining: Some sprinkler systems allow you to hook an air compressor up to the pipes to force the remaining water out of the sprinkler heads. Sprinkler failure is the biggest consequence of neglecting winterization. To activate the auto-drain, you will have to shut off your water and only run one sprinkler head until excess water is removed. Why a Professional Should Winterize Your Lawn Sprinkler System. The early bird gets the savings! The most sophisticated draining system a home sprinkler system can have is blow-out draining.
As winter progresses, the frost level sinks deeper into the soil, which means higher possibility that it will reach underground, where your pipes are located. Watch the local weather reports in the newspaper or television to find out when the first freeze of the year is predicted. The main shut-off valve, plus any exposed pipes or backflow preventers, should be wrapped in foam covers or insulation tape. If you don't winterize them then you may have more expensive repairs to deal with later on. It will have all the information you need to winterize your system and tell you if it has a manual or automatic drain. The only way to ensure your irrigation system is in working order for next startup next Spring is to have your system properly drained and blown out. How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System. To ensure that all of the water is removed, you will need to manually open any check valves and black flow devices. Ultimately, it is best to prep your irrigation system before the first deep frost, snowfall, or night when the temperature will drop below 32° F. You will need to keep a close eye on the weather report to get a good idea of when to start winterizing the sprinkler system. This will lead to expensive repairs next watering season.
You could put a little antifreeze in the pipes to keep it from happening — or you could try a blow-out system, which we will explain next. What happens if i don't winterize my sprinkler system behind schedule. The cost of preventive maintenance far outweighs the cost and headaches of repairs or replacing in the Spring. We review lawn care plans and packages, navigate the provider website and speak with customer service representatives, request quotes, and analyze customer reviews for each provider. Improper Winterizations/Freeze-ups could Void Warranties or Service Plans. When it comes to winterizing your irrigation system, we recommend partnering with an experienced irrigation professional (like Green Turf) and setting up an annual maintenance plan.
Our technicians are trained and equipped with the best technology to clear your system safely and efficiently. The only exception to this rule is for people that live in climates that never go below freezing 32 degrees Fahrenheit / 0 degrees Celsius. It is important on a manual system that the pressure in the lines are allowed can dissipate before closing the valves. If a site didn't get winterized before the temperatures dropped, you can try to minimize any damage by releasing the system pressure. There are several damages that may lead to leakage in your pipes and house structure, as a result of not winterizing your sprinklers. The easiest way to prevent this damage and get your sprinkler system ready for a smooth start-up in the spring is to blow it out in the fall. Tips for Insulating Your Sprinkler System for Extra Protection. What happens if i don't winterize my sprinkler system by faboba. However, there will still be some water trapped within the valves themselves.
When you don't winterize your irrigation system, the valves are also at risk of being broken due to the freezing temperature. Here are some related services to help you water your yard: Leaves are falling, and the temperature is dropping. Homeowner's Guide to Exterior Maintenance. You should see all the sprinkler heads pop up and begin to emit the residual water in the system in that furthest zone. Disconnect the compressor from the irrigation system with the hose quick valve coupler. Allow the air in the compressor to be sent into the system. Pipes that have sprung a leak aren't capable of delivering sufficient water supply to your lawn. Do Sprinklers Need to be Winterized? What Happens if You Don’t Do It? ». Failing to get this project completed risks the possibility of having your system's pipes burst. Too much pressure can damage or destroy the pipes in the system. However, if it seems like a consistent cold is around the corner, it's time to winterize.