Table of Contents
How do I winterize my sprinkler system?
Steps for Winterizing Your Sprinkler System Step 1: Shut Off the Water. It will come as no surprise that the first step is turning off the water to the system with a main valve that’s usually found near your water meter. Step 2: Turn Off the Timer. Step 3: Drain the Water. Step 4: Insulate Above-Ground Components.
How do I winterize my sprinkler system without a blowout?
Not all systems need to have the water blown out of them. You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone.
Do you have to winterize underground sprinkler system?
So, if you have a lawn sprinkler, you need to winterize it before the temperatures plunge to the freezing mark. If you forget to winterize your sprinklers, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads.
Do you need to drain sprinkler system for freeze?
That means you need to drain the water from your sprinkler system or you will likely experience costly freeze damage. So if you haven’t drained your sprinkler system, now is the time to do so.
When should you winterize your sprinkler system?
A good rule of thumb is to have your sprinkler system winterized in early fall, but we recommend keeping an eye on the weather, and ensure that your watering system is drained and blown out at least one week prior to the seasons first freeze.
How much psi do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?
Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi) during the blow out procedure. A pressure-regulating valve must be used to avoid over pressurization of the system. Air volume should be high and air pressure low.
How much does sprinkler blowout cost?
Typical costs: Hiring a landscaping or sprinkler company to winterize/blow out a sprinkler system can cost $30-$160 or more, and typically costs about $55-$85 for an average home, depending on the number of irrigation zones in the system, the local cost of living and the month the work is done.
Will underground sprinkler pipes freeze?
While you may be eager to get your lawn back to its pristine green state, it is important to remember that temperatures of 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower put your sprinkler system at risk of freezing.
How deep should sprinkler pipes be buried?
Dig for Your Sprinkler System The trenches will be relatively shallow, usually 6 to 12 inches deep, depending on your area’s freeze cycles and frost severity. The trench must also be deep enough to allow the sprinklers to retract underground to prevent breakage from lawn machines.
How do I turn on my sprinkler system after winter?
Steps to turn on sprinkler system after wintering Find system’s main shut-off valve. Find the vacuum breaker. Close the vacuum breaker test valves. Open the vacuum breaker’s shut-off valves. Reinstall main valve bleeder cap (as needed). Slowly open the main valve. Test the system. Recheck the vacuum breaker and valves.
Should I turn off sprinklers in winter?
You should shut off your irrigation system just before temperatures in your region begin to dip below freezing at night. Don’t shut off your irrigation system too early. Shutting off irrigation systems just before the temperature begins to drop below freezing will help ensure that your system is not damaged.
How do I stop my sprinkler pipes from freezing?
To keep the water inside the pipes of a wet fire sprinkler system from freezing in areas where the temperature may drop below 50 degrees, an antifreeze loop is added. By adding antifreeze to the water in the fire sprinkler pipes, the freezing point is much lower, reducing the risk of the pipes freezing.
How many CFM do I need to winterize my irrigation system?
The minimum volume an air compressor must be able to provide to properly blowout an irrigation system is 20 cubic feet per meter (CFM). Still, many professionals recommend up to 50 CFM at under 50 PSI for optimal performance, assuming the water lines are less than an inch in diameter.
How do I maintain my sprinkler system?
How To Maintain Your Irrigation System Check Your Water Pressure. Check For Any Missing Or Broken Sprinkler Heads. Adjust Sprinkler Heads So That They Are At The Right Angles. Change Control Timers To Meet Seasonal Plant Needs. Match Runtime To Exposure.
How many sprinkler heads can be on one zone?
At different pressures, the sprinkler head and nozzle will consume different amounts of water. For example, at 35 pounds per square inch (PSI) the 5000 Series Rotor using the 3.0 nozzle will use 3.11 gallons per minute (GPM). If your home’s water capacity was 10 GPM, you could place 3 heads per zone.
At what temperature should you drain your sprinkler system?
So a good rule of thumb is when you see 32 degrees for the first time in the forecast, drain your sprinkler system as soon as possible.
Does a sprinkler system increase home value?
A sprinkler system indirectly increases a home’s market value by enhancing the home’s overall curb appeal. Since attractive landscaping requires sufficient watering, an automatic sprinkler system ensures the protection of your investment.
What size pipe should I use for sprinkler system?
For schedule 40 PVC, use 1/2-inch pipe for a 4 GPM system, 3/4-inch pipe for 8 GPMs, 1-inch pipe for 13 GPMs, 1 1/4-inch pipe for 22 GPMs, 1 1/2-inch pipe for 30 GPMs, and 2-inch pipe for 50 GPMs.
How do I turn my sprinkler back on after freezing?
Turning on Your Sprinkler System After Winter Step 1: Check the Temperature. Freezing pipes are one of a homeowner’s worst nightmares. Step 2: Turn 45-Degrees. Step 3: Check and Remove Sprinkler Heads. Step 4: Slowly Turn Water On. Step 5: Check for Leaks. Step 6: Run Through Sprinkler Zones.
