How to Winterize an Irrigation System

 5 Easy Tips for Winterizing Irrigation Systems from Our Pros

1. Shut Off Water and Insulate Your System

Turning off the water supply to your irrigation system isn’t just a seasonal chore—it’s a vital act of protection when winterizing irrigation systems. In the frosty conditions of winter, as our breath becomes visible by the chill in the air, there lurks an enemy we can’t as easily observe. Lingering water transforms into a silent assassin, causing pipes to freeze and potentially wreaking havoc on your entire system. But fear not, for insulation can serve as our trusty shepherd, and adding an extra layer of defense from the arctic aqueducts can keep your pipes snug while shielding them from the cold and ensuring that when spring spreads out its bright green tapestry, your irrigation system has remained refreshed and unscathed.

2. Don't Forget About the Timer

Winterizing irrigation systems is all about ensuring longevity, and for automatic systems, a paramount part of that process includes shutting down the controller (or timer) for the season. Be mindful that if you disconnect power to the controller entirely, you’ll have to reset the time and likely any other features you’ve personalized. However, activating the “rain mode” option simply serves as a substantial “snooze” for your valves while still protecting your preferred timers and other settings you’ve already programmed. As an extra provision to prevent a pump from kicking on mid-winter, which could harm your system, it’s a good idea to remove any wires routed to the Master Valve, just as an added cushion of armor.

3. Drain the Water 

One of the most important steps in irrigation system winterization is draining the water. By eliminating any residual water from the system, you’re freeing it from the threat of freezing. This simple yet critical step of the process ensures that when the first buds of spring open, your system is ready to resume its vital purpose of nurturing the blooming beauty of your landscape. Let’s explore the different methods you can use to complete this step, depending on the type of system you have.

Drainage Options for Irrigation Systems

• Manual Draining: If you have a system with a manual draining option,  look for those trusty shut-off valves strategically placed at the ends of your pipes, and you’ve found the unsung heroes of winterization. But please keep personal care in mind—winterizing irrigation systems is not without risk, so as a safety precaution, don’t forget to wear eye protection during this step. Then, one valve at a time, twist each one open, allowing the water to completely exit the pipes before you close them to give them a period of hibernation.

• Automatic Draining: If you have the magic touch of automatic draining in your irrigation system, consider it your personal assistant that helps you prepare for irrigation system winterization. Once you’ve shut off the main valve and the water pressure takes a bow for the season, your system will kick into action for its dance of emptying all the excess water. One trusty sprinkler head will serve as the star of the show with a solo performance, even with its water supply cut off and yet, a bit of water will linger, trapped within the valves. So, you’ll find the solenoid of each valve, featuring wires attached to the top and a plastic cap. Give it a twist to allow for the exchange of air and water, making sure each valve can breathe freely as it empties to prepare for a winter siesta. 

• Blow-Out Draining: If you’ve considered using the blow-out draining method, it’s more of a delicate, collaborative dance between your sprinkler system and an air compressor, a tango that demands a bit of finesse. Keep in mind that this dance isn’t for every system and that attempting it on a poorly prepared sprinkler system can lead to a symphony of issues. If your DIY air compressor is the conductor, while it might hit that 50 PSI note required to clear PVC piping, it may struggle with the 10 CFM (cubic feet / minute) volume it needs to execute a swift and thorough water expulsion. Without the right conditions, it’s a bit like trying to fit a square peg into a round hole. The takeaway? Consider this task best entrusted to the expert hands of an irrigation system installation professional. Even if just brought in to ensure your system enters winter gracefully, this annual investment is well worth the cost to winterize irrigation systems, and sets you free from the problems that can arise as a result of water that lingers through the winter.
  

4. Insulate Above Ground Valves and Backflow Preventers

For those who need to winterize irrigation systems that are above-ground, extend a shield of insulation to your backflow preventers and valves, which serves as a winter coat, to safeguard against the biting cold. Consider it a personalized touch for these essential components, making sure they rest cozy until the spring thaw beckons them back into action.

5. Hire a Local Irrigation Company to Winterize Your System for You

As you can tell, embarking on the journey of irrigation system winterization is a commendable task, but let’s face it—it demands a lot of valuable time and a fair share of elbow grease. You could use an air compressor for irrigation winterization or a handful of other DIY efforts, and while those ideas are filled with good intentions, they may, unfortunately, overlook the crucial details that a seasoned professional would catch with ease. Like orchestrating a symphony without a conductor, the notes might be there, but the harmony could be elusive.

This is where the wisdom of calling in a professional oftentimes prevents catastrophe. Their expertise ensures a thorough, hassle-free process, as they know exactly how and when to winterize irrigation systems effectively, sparing you the stress and guaranteeing that every aspect of your system is meticulously cared for. In the end, investing in a professional touch becomes not just a convenience but a promise of a worry-free winter for your cherished landscape.

About AquaQuest Irrigation in Clarksville, TN

Winter is coming, and for those who treasure the beauty and work they’ve put into lawn and garden efforts, knowing how to winterize irrigation systems isn’t often a skill just naturally gifted to some people, like having a green thumb. It takes training. AquaQuest Irrigation in Clarksville, TN, has that training and is here to serve as your steadfast ally in the involved process of winterizing irrigation systems. With a local touch and a team of seasoned pros, we bring expertise and commitment to the well-being of your garden. You can trust us with the care of your irrigation system, and rest assured that every valve, pipe, and backflow preventer will receive the attention it deserves. We’re not just professionals; we’re your neighbors, and we understand the unique needs of our community.

AquaQuest Irrigation is here to ensure that, as winter unfolds another frosty terrain, your garden remains a prospering parcel, waiting to be reborn come spring.