For more information on how to winterize your system or for more detailed steps, click here.
Every year, before the first freeze in states such has Colorado the ritual of “blowing out” your sprinkler system becomes a priority. If left and freezing occurs, the water left over in the PVC pipes, which will be there even if your shut the main valve off, will expand and break the piping. Replacing your broken irrigation system can cost thousands of dollars so although it can be a pain in the butt, winterizing your system is smart.
There are three ways you can winterize your system, through a manual drain, an automatic drain or through the “blow out” method. The manual drain and automatic drain can be done by following a few simple steps, however, it is suggested that the “blow out” process be done by a professional. “Blowing out” can be dangerous because it involves a highly pressurized air compressor to literally blow the remaining water out of the pipes.
To drain your pipes without the help of a professional, use these steps. First, turn off the water to the irrigation system at the main valve. After this is done, set the automatic irrigation controller to the “rain’ setting”. Next, turn on each of the valves to release pressure to the pipes. Finally, drain all of the water out of any irrigation component that might freeze.
Automatic drain valves open by themselves each time the pressure drops in the pipe, the problem though is that the valve doors may get stuck if they are not opened regularly, thus some manual labor may be needed.
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