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Winterize self draining sprinkler system.
Follow these steps to blow out an underground sprinkler system.
After opening the valves the water in the mainline of the system should drain out on its own.
Below the freezing point some of the most critical components of a sprinkler system can be damaged.
There are several ways to drain your pipes.
Winterization is an important part of maintaining a properly running lawn 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.
How to winterize a sprinkler system.
In areas where winterization is mandatory irrigation systems are installed using one of three types of water removal.
A manual drain valve an automatic drain valve or the compressed air blow out method.
Protect valves and backflow preventers.
If you don t know your system type it is best to use the blowout method.
Many offer sprinkler winterization services this time of the year.
However since there could be potential safety risks we recommend contacting your local irrigation specialist.
These are the ones at the lowest points in the sprinkler system which is where water collects when the system is shut off.
As a general rule you should winterize your system at least a week before the first freeze is expected.
Then turn off the water supply and set the system timer to open just one zone.
Where you live plays a big part in which steps you will need to follow.
To minimize the risk of freeze damage you ll need to winterize your irrigation system.
Keep an eye on the local weather reports in the newspaper or on television for when the first freeze of the year is expected.
To completely remove water from the system a purge must be completed using compressed air.
Get your self draining underground sprinkling system ready for winter.
In this how to guide to winterization we will take a look at the steps involved in winterizing your sprinkler system in a cold climate.
Winterizing is fairly easy to learn and most do it yourselfers already own the necessary tools for the job.
Manual drain auto drain or blowout.
Step 1 shut off the water supply.
Next open the manual drain valve at the end of that zone if equipped.