Winterize Self Draining Sprinkler System

Manual drain auto drain or blowout.

Winterize self draining sprinkler system.

To completely remove water from the system a purge must be completed using compressed air. Next open the manual drain valve at the end of that zone if equipped. Step 1 shut off the water supply. Then connect the air line to the blow out port as shown.

A manual drain valve an automatic drain valve or the compressed air blow out method. Below the freezing point some of the most critical components of a sprinkler system can be damaged. Winterizing is fairly easy to learn and most do it yourselfers already own the necessary tools for the job. How to winterize a sprinkler system.

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. Where you live plays a big part in which steps you will need to follow. However since there could be potential safety risks we recommend contacting your local irrigation specialist. 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. 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. Protect valves and backflow preventers.

As a general rule you should winterize your system at least a week before the first freeze is expected. 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. Winterization is an important part of maintaining a properly running lawn sprinkler system. Locate the manual drain valves situated downstream of each zone valve.

After opening the valves the water in the mainline of the system should drain out on its own. Many offer sprinkler winterization services this time of the year. Keep an eye on the local weather reports in the newspaper or on television for when the first freeze of the year is expected. There are several ways to drain your pipes.

These are the ones at the lowest points in the sprinkler system which is where water collects when the system is shut off. Follow these steps to blow out an underground sprinkler system.