Table of Contents
Can I winterize my own sprinkler system?
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.
How do I prepare my irrigation system for winter?
Insulate your assets: Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. The main shut off valve for your irrigation system needs to be protected against freezing. Make sure it is wrapped with insulation (foam insulation tape and a plastic bag) to protect it from harsh winter temperatures and prevent it from freezing.
Do I need to winterize my irrigation 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.
How cold is too cold for sprinklers?
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 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 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 long does it take for irrigation pipes to freeze?
With a reasonable amount of insulation, even pipes in an unheated area could take up to 6-hours to freeze. This means that the air temperature has to remain at 20° for about 6-hours before there’s a risk of your pipes freezing.
How do I bleed my sprinkler system?
Bleed your sprinkler system to avoid any potential problems. Bleeding, or “winterizing” your home’s sprinkler system is one way to protect your sprinkler system from freezing during winter. An easy way to do this is by draining the pipes and then blowing it out to dry with an air compressor.
How do you flush out a sprinkler system?
Turn on the water to your sprinkler system to flush the lines of any debris or dirt that is trapped in the lines. Allow the water to run until you see clear water coming out of each sprinkler. Turn the water off. Replace the screen on each nozzle body.
Should I water my grass after a freeze?
After a frost, keep perennial turfgrass hydrated. Most grass needs 1 inch of water weekly, including rainfall. Continue watering the grass as it enters dormancy when temperatures cool, but never allow water to puddle, which cuts off the roots’ access to air and light.
At what temp should I not water grass?
Any temperature below 40℉ is too cold to use sprinklers to water your lawn. Although air temperatures are still above freezing, water droplets clinging to grass blades will be exposed to wind chill or colder nighttime temperatures, which may freeze them solid. This can result in brittle, frozen grass.
Should I water lawn before a freeze?
You’ll need to water early in the day to avoid creating a sopping wet mess right before temperatures start dropping. When watering, try to do it without getting any of the actual foliage wet. Wet leaves will form frost that kills faster than just the cold air alone.
How do you drain a sprinkler system before freezing?
To automatically drain your system, turn off the main water supply and wait. Water will begin to drain automatically as the pressure inside the irrigation system drops. Next, open the drain cap located between your main valve and backflow device to drain any water potentially trapped inside.
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 do I keep my outside water pump from freezing?
The Pipes. Any pipes that are above ground should be insulated. Foam sleeves are a common solution to prevent freezing, but you can also use a thermal blanket or even old sweatshirts that are double wrapped. It can also be beneficial to use heat tape – just be sure to space it out about an inch or so along the pipe.
How do you insulate an outside water pump?
The best kind of pipe insulation to use is the closed cell foam “tubes” that are around 6′ long. Closed cell foam keeps the water out so the foam doesn’t saturate with water and become ineffective. Make sure to choose the right size foam for your pipe and make sure to order enough to cover all outdoor exposed piping!Nov 19, 2018.
How long does it take to prime a sprinkler pump?
Let the pump run for approximately one minute. If you opened any relief valves, wait until water begins to run from them before closing them again. If the pump turns off naturally, it’s primed.
What size compressor do I need to winterize my irrigation system?
You need a compressor that has either enough volume or large enough motor to fill your system with pressurized air. A compressor size of 4-6 gallons should be enough.
