How do I get my sprinkler system ready for winter?

Home Sprinkler Systems: Preparing Your Sprinkler System for Winter – 4.719

Quick Facts….
Draining the System.
Turning off the Water Supply.
Drain the Pump.
Winterizing the Backflow Device.
Draining a PVB.
Draining an RP Device.
Winterizing the Rest of the Irrigation System.

In this regard, how do I prepare my sprinkler 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.

One may also ask, what happens if you don't winterize your sprinkler system? The Danger of Not Winterizing Your Sprinkler System If you forget to winterize your sprinklers, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads. When water freezes, it expands causing the parts of your system to burst and destroying your sprinkler system.

Furthermore, when should I winterize my sprinkler system?

As a general rule, you should winterize your system at least a week before the first freeze is expected. Your grass will survive without regular watering during that time, as the plants are already preparing for the dry winter season.

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 long does it take to drain sprinkler system?

Explanation: Winterizing an average residential sprinkler system takes one man about 15-30 minutes. Winterization utilizes an air compressor with a Cubic Foot per Minute (CFM) rating of 80-100 for any mainline of 2" or less.

How much does a 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.

How do I drain the water from my sprinkler system?

Manual Drain Valve

Locate the manual drain valves situated downstream of each zone valve.
Turn off the water supply by closing the main valve to the sprinkler system.
Open all the manual drain valves for each zone in the system, and leave them open so that all the water drains from the pipes and sprinkler heads.

How much psi do you need to blowout a sprinkler system?

Air pressure must not exceed 50 pounds per square inch (psi) during the blow out procedure.

How do I turn on the water to my sprinkler system?

Slowly open the main shutoff valve to let water into the sprinkler system. For a ball valve, turn the lever handle one-quarter turn until the handle is parallel to the pipe; this is the fully open position. For an in-ground shutoff valve, use a sprinkler valve key to turn the valve counterclockwise until it stops.

Where is the water shut off for my sprinkler system?

Locate the main shutoff valve on your irrigation system. It is between the main water supply to your home and the sprinkler controller. Alternately, the main shutoff is located outdoors near a faucet bib. The main valve may be in a box in this area to protect it from the elements.

How do I winterize my sprinkler system without a blowout?

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.

When should I blowout my sprinklers?

A sprinkler blowout is usually best done in October in the northern climate of the United States. When to turn off your sprinkler, however, can be a delicate balance of good timing and luck. Do it too early, and your lawn may lose precious water it needs to prepare for the winter.