How To Winterize Your Sprinkler System

Your sprinkler system saves you time, money, and is efficient at keeping your landscape looking stunning during the spring and summer months. However, once you feel fall approaching, it is best to begin the winterization process of your sprinkler system. Winterizing your sprinkler system means that you take the steps necessary to ensure that your system's pipes will not free during the cold winter months and then break. There are two types of pipes typically used in sprinkler systems. These are Polyurethane and PVC. Though Polyurethane pipes are known for being more durable than PVC, they can still succumb to the ravaging effects of freezing temperature and burst. Therefore, it is essential that you take the time to ensure that your sprinkler system is adequately protected during the winter months.

First of all, it is best left to professionals to winterize your sprinkler system. This is due to the fact that the system must be “blown out’ by using an air compressor. Many homeowners have unwittingly been hurt during this process, so if you aren't sure what you are doing, then it is recommended to hire a professional. It is considered money well spent, especially if you are injured or have an unforeseen mishap with your sprinkler system. However, if you insist on performing the job yourself, then be sure to follow the sprinkler system’s manufacturer’s guide.

There are three main types of winterization used for sprinkler systems. Your manufacturer’s manual should instruct you on the best format for draining your system. It wills either refer to the blow out method using an air compressor, the manual drain method that is performed by simply shutting off the main water valve and the automatic drain system or you may have a combination of both the manual and automatic systems. It is imperative that you know what type of system you have before you begin to winterize it. Since a manual system may be drained without the use of an air compressor, you can see what type of mistake may occur should someone fail to use the blow out method when they believed that they didn't need to. Water left in pipes may freeze and cause the pipes to burst, whether the pipes are made from Polyurethane or PVC.

It should also be mentioned that if you choose to use the blow out method yourself, that you do run the risk of having serious eye injury. Flying debris may be blown into the path of your eyes; therefore you should always wear safety goggles when performing this type of work. You should also never leave an air compressor unsupervised or unattended. Never stand directly in front of or over any units that are being blown out or are filled with compressed air. It is also important that when you use the air compressor, not to blow out through the backflow or valves. You should also never go beyond 80 PSI to ensure that you do not damage the sprinkler system. If you have any questions or concerns regarding winterizing your system, you should hire a licensed professional to perform the task for you.