4 Steps To Prepare Your Sprinklers And Irrigation Systems For Another Long Winter

Before winter weather arrives, there is some maintenance that needs to be done outside of your home. If you want to prevent problems during the freezing winter weather, it important to do maintenance and winterize sprinkler lines. Here are the steps that you will need to take to winterize your sprinkler and irrigation systems.

1. Locating and Shutting Off Water Supply for Irrigation Systems

The first step in winterizing your irrigation system is locating the shut-off valve and shutting off the water supply to irrigation lines. This is often a valve that is located near the house or connected to backflow prevention devices that prevent irrigation water from contaminating the potable water supply. The water to irrigation lines needs to be shut off before doing winterization and other maintenance. 

2. Blowing Out Water That Is Left Inside Irrigation Lines

Once you have disconnected the main water connection to the irrigation lines, you want to blow out the lines to remove any excess water. Water that gets left inside irrigation lines can cause freeze damage during cold winter nights. To blow out the lines, use an air compressor and blow error through the pipes to ensure any water that is left in the lines is removed.

3. Insulating Exposed Pipes That Are Vulnerable to Freeze Damage

There might be exposed irrigation pipes that are vulnerable to damage during freezing winter weather. Make sure to insulate any pipes or irrigation systems that are located above the ground. This will help prevent damage that can be caused by freezing temperatures when moisture remains in the lines. Insulating components like drip irrigation lines and sprinkler heads will help protect against winter freezes. Use straw as an affordable insulating material to cover irrigation components during the winter weather to insulate them and protect them from cold temperatures.

4. Disconnecting Backflow Prevention Devices and Irrigation Lines

Many modern irrigation systems that are not connected to household plumbing are required to have a backflow prevention device is installed. When winterizing your irrigation system, you want to disconnect the backflow prevention device to protect your sprinkler and irrigation systems from damage to pipes during the cold winter months.

These are the steps you will need to take to prepare your sprinkler system for another long winter. If you need help with some of these autumn maintenance tasks, contact an irrigation center pivot equipment service to help prepare for winter.