Why Should You Winterize a Sprinkler System?

As fall turns into winter, the first thing that needs attention is your garden's sprinkler system. Even minimal neglect can put your irrigation system and investment at risk. The only solution to avoid any damage is to winterize the sprinkler system.

Winterizing is super important to keep your irrigation system working. It helps prevent the water inside the pipes from freezing, expanding, and causing cracks or bursts. This guide will discuss sprinkler winterization, when it is necessary, and how to winterize the sprinkler system to prevent costly damages.

What is Sprinkler Winterization?

Sprinkler winterization is a critical process for preparing pipes for cold weather. It involves blowing out residual water from the sprinklers' pipes. The sprinkler system, which consists of pipes, valves, heads, and manifolds, must be completely clear of water. If you don't winterize the system, the vast damage to your pipes and fittings will result in costly repairs.

When to Winterize a Sprinkler System?

Winterization should be done in early fall before the cold temperatures set in. The ideal time is October and early November. Most professionals begin the process about one week before the onset of the expected frost dates or before the temperature drops below 30 degrees Fahrenheit. You should keep checking weather patterns in your area around the end of fall to prevent any extreme weather damage.

Why Should You Winterize a Sprinkler System?

Here are some of the reasons why you should winterize a sprinkler system:

1. Prevent Pipes from Cracking

Even if you're not using a sprinkler system, some water remains in pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. When freezing weather sets in, residual water freezes, expands and puts external pressure on the pipes. This pressure results in pipes cracking or bursting and popping off sprinkler heads.

As the system is underground, locating and repairing the issue can be challenging. A damaged system will require digging and replacing pipes and fittings. On the other hand, investing a little in sprinkler winterization saves you from all this hassle and keeps your system working properly in spring.

2. Extend the Lifespan of the Sprinkler System

Winterizing sprinklers is not only for preventing immediate damage but also to extend its use. When you invest in protecting the system during harsh frost, they are less likely to wear away and function properly for longer.

3. Prevent Sinkholes and Underground Leaks

If leaks are not fixed and left unattended, they can compromise the health of your lawn. The leaked water can even reach your home's foundation, leading to cracks, which can further break the pipes and, thus, cause water damage.

Furthermore, the low pressure from the leaked sprinkler system can ruin your landscape. So, regularly check your irrigation system and winterize it to prevent frost side effects.

4. Protect Sprinkler Components

The sprinkler head plays a crucial role in distributing water evenly across your lawn. Just like sprinkler pipes, residual water can remain in the sprinkler's head. When the water freezes, it expands and puts pressure on the head, popping it off. Moreover, ice damages the sprinkler head's regulatory mechanism, which doesn't work properly when needed.

The manifold is another major component of sprinkler systems that controls water flow from the main irrigation line to the rest of the sprinkler parts. Water freezing in the manifold can cause extensive damage, as the entire system of valves and pipes is underground. The only way to prevent this vast damage is sprinkler winterization before frost.

5. Conserve Water

As leaked water continuously seeps into the ground rather than properly watering your plants, you waste a valuable resource. This is particularly alarming considering that approximately 70% of freshwater usage goes towards the irrigation system, making this wastage costly and environmentally irresponsible.

Leaks from your irrigation system can also increase your monthly water bills. Winterization is the go-to step in contributing to energy conservation to prevent water wastage and increased water bills.

How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System?

It is a good idea to call a professional who will professionally winterize your sprinkler system. Using tools and products available at Dripworks, like drain or flush valves, backflow preventers, and frost protectors, can make the job easier. Here are some steps to winterize your sprinkler system:

1. Inspect the System

The first step is to inspect the system to locate leaks, cracks, or bursts. Look at the sprinkler heads or any other damaged component. If you see any soggy area, it can indicate a leaked line. It's essential to make your safety a priority. Have appropriate tools and equipment to avoid more damage to the sprinkler system and protect yourself. These include air compressors, insulation tape, safety glasses, form pipe covers, and pliers.

2. Shut off the Water Supply

Next, shut off all the water supply with the main valve. The main valve is near the water meter, which can be underground. If your system has a backflow preventer, turn it off, too.

3. Adjust Your Timer

Once the water supply is turned off, be sure to switch off the scheduled watering programs. If your system is automatic, you can turn on the ‘rain mode', which will lower the energy consumption. This even allows you to retain the programmed settings and is safe during winter. After winter, you can turn the rain mode off. After winter, you can turn the rain mode off. Adding a rain sensor will allow the timer only to run when no rain is expected.

4. Drain the Water

The most crucial step is draining the water from all parts of the sprinkler- heads, valves, manifolds, and pipes. The way you drain the system depends on the type of sprinkler you have. Mostly it is done by these three procedures.

5. Manual Draining

Some sprinklers can be drained manually. These systems have shut-off valves at low points or the end of the pipes. Drain the residual water in them manually one by one. Wear protective glasses as the water may come out with high pressure. Open above-ground backflow valves at the same time to drain them. Once all the water is out, close the valves.

6. Automatic Draining

While some systems have manual drains, others use automatic draining processes. This system drains water automatically when the main water supply shuts off and the pressure drops. Some even drain every time the sprinkler is turned off. Still, there might be some remaining water in the valves. Locate and loosen the valve openings, resulting in air and water flowing out.

7. Blow-out Draining

This method involves using compressed air to force the residual water out of all the pipes, valves and heads. The ideal air pressure should be between 40-80 pounds per square inch (psi). For rigid PVC pipes, 80 psi is the maximum limit while for polyethylene pipes 50 psi is the maximum. Remember, this method can only be performed by a professional, and blowing high pressure into the system should be avoided as it causes more damage.

8. Insulate Exposed Components

After thoroughly draining the sprinkler system, the last step is to insulate above-ground parts from cold weather. Cover exposed parts like shut-off valves, backflow preventers and pipes with insulation tapes. But make sure not to block airflow vents. Also, don't forget to turn off the controller mode or set it to ‘rain mode.'

The Bottom Line

Thus, winterizing a sprinkler system is a crucial step to keep the system working for longer. Neglecting this vital process can lead to damage, cracks and bursts in the irrigation system caused by residual water freezing inside. By investing in winterization, you can maintain the system's efficiency and revive a blooming garden come spring.

At Dripworks you will find a wide range of products to make winterization easy and smooth. The selection includes frost protection covers, backflow preventers, and valves, helping you to get your garden winter ready.