Preparing your sprinkler system for the cold season is crucial to avoid costly repairs due to freeze damage. The process involves expelling water from the pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads to prevent them from bursting when temperatures drop. While the specifics can vary depending on the system's design, understanding the general principles and your particular setup can lead to an effective winterization strategy.
Winterizing your sprinkler system is primarily about removing water to prevent freeze damage. The process starts with identifying your water source and understanding the type of backflow prevention device installed. The two most common devices are the double check backflow assembly, typically located below ground or indoors, and the pressure vacuum breaker assembly, which stands about a foot above ground. Some older systems with atmospheric vacuum breakers may not have been designed with winterization in mind, often found in manual systems.
To tailor a winterization plan, you need to know your system's layout. Key considerations include:
These factors will influence the best approach for winterizing your specific system.
For many systems, simply draining the water is sufficient to prevent damage. However, in some cases, using compressed air to blow out the system is the better option. Begin by turning off the water at the source, which is usually a manual valve located before the backflow prevention assembly. Some systems may have a 1/2" drain valve just after the backflow device; if so, check for additional valves in other valve boxes.
If your system has drain valves, opening them should adequately protect it. If not, and the backflow is the lowest point, opening the test cocks of the backflow may suffice. When using compressed air, if there's no dedicated fitting for the compressor's line, you can connect to the first test cock downstream of the shutoff and cycle through all zones to expel most of the water.
It's worth noting that some experts advise against blowing air through the backflow assembly, as it can potentially damage the seals. However, many professionals, with decades of experience, have not encountered issues with this method.
While no winterization method can guarantee complete protection, following these practices can significantly reduce the likelihood of facing extensive repairs each year. It's a proactive step that can save homeowners time and money in the long run.
By taking the time to winterize your sprinkler system, you're not only protecting your investment but also contributing to water conservation efforts.
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