Knowing how to shut off the sprinkler system for winter is crucial, whether you’re preparing for severe freezes or have a leak. Nothing beats having an automatic sprinkler system handle your watering chores in the heat of summer. However, sprinklers require maintenance and sometimes repairs. Let’s prepare your sprinklers for winter!
Step-By-Step Guide How To Shut Off Sprinkler System For Winter
Sprinkler systems may suffer greatly during the severe winter months. However, you can protect your sprinklers and save costly repairs by following these guidelines on how to shut off sprinkler system for winter.
Step #1: Insulate Your Assets
Cut off the irrigation system’s water supply. It is required to avoid the freezing of your irrigation system’s primary shut-off valve. Make sure it is wrapped in insulation, a plastic bag, and foam insulation tape to protect it from the harsh winter temperatures and prevent it from freezing. You may want to install a main shut-off valve as a precautionary measure if you don’t already have one.
Insulation is another necessity for above-ground plumbing. It is acceptable to use self-sticking foam-insulating tape or foam-insulating tubes that are frequently available at home supply stores.
Step #2: Switch The System Off
An interior control panel, typically located in the garage or on an external wall, is a feature of the majority of outdoor sprinkler systems. Switch the setting to “off.” If you have a digital control panel, you probably have a button to switch to “rain mode,” which is the simplest way of shutting down your system without losing any settings.
You can simply switch off the entire system for a permanent shutdown. The shutdown process varies depending on the sprinkler system manufacturer. For further instructions on how to properly switch off the sprinkler system at the control box, check your handbook or the manufacturer’s website.
Step #3: Shut-Off The Valve
Finding your shut-off valve and shutting it off is the next step. Typically, the valve has a lever handle and a ball valve. It may be found underground or above ground. It is situated close to the water supply, which is close to the house or garage if it is above ground. Look behind any plants or bushes that might be hiding in the house. But occasionally, it might also be in the utility closet, garage, or basement.
Shut-off valves are usually buried underground. To find the valve itself, you must identify the valve box. The box may have a lid that is visible above ground and may be oval or rectangular. Nonetheless, certain boxes—which are typically found close to a well or water meter—may be buried underground. To prevent digging and running the risk of cutting into pipelines or utility lines, you should get in touch with a professional if such is the case.
Always call the emergency hotline in advance to be sure there are no utility lines close to the location if you dig to find it. By taking this action, property damage and personal injury can be avoided. You’ll also avoid heavy fines because it’s the law. Carefully rotate the handle so that it is perpendicular to the waterline to close the valve.
Step #4: Drain The Extra Water
You have to drain the system of any water that remains after shutting off the water supply. It is essential to carefully drain the water to prevent freezing and damage. One of the following approaches could be used, depending on your system:
Automatic Drainage Method: When the pressure drops, some systems are designed to automatically discharge water. If this feature is available in your system, you can turn it on by shutting off the main valve and then letting the water run out.
Manual Drainage Method: Let gravity take care of it by opening the sprinkler system’s drain valves. Systems with drain points can use this technique. Check to make sure every zone is draining.
Blowout Method: To remove any last traces of water, force gas through pipes using the air compressor. Use caution when applying pressure to avoid harming the system. If you’re unsure, think about getting help from professionals who provide landscaping services.
Step #5: Drain The Sprinkler Heads
Draining the water that remains from the sprinkler heads is the next step in this procedure. The remaining water can be drained by lifting the sprinkler heads if your sprinklers have check valves. The test cocks and valves can be closed after the system has been drained.
Step #6: Insulate Components That Are Exposed
Use insulating tape for covering exposed components like valves, pipes, and backflow preventers. The best options are tape or foam insulation. This guarantees that your equipment’s external components have protection from subfreezing temperatures.
Step #7: Switch Off The Controller (If Any)
If your sprinkler has an automated controller, you can conserve electricity by turning it off or putting it in “rain mode.” This will protect the internal systems from damage and stop the system from functioning during the winter.
Tips For Preparing Your Sprinkler System For Winter
When preparing your sprinkler system, removing as much moisture as you can will increase the likelihood of success. To protect above-ground faucets, pipes, and spigots from winter damage, you need also to insulate them.
- To get ready before the first freeze, regularly check the weather prediction.
- Protect the above-ground sprinkler system components with pool noodles, foam coverings, or pipe insulation.
- For better moisture dissolution, drain or blow out your sprinkler system on an extremely dry day.
- To prevent damage to your sprinkler system, read your handbook for drainage recommendations.
- After you have drained your sprinkler system, remember to shut off the valves.
- Remember to switch off your sprinkler timer.
- When operating an air compressor, keep an eye on the water pressure to prevent system damage.
- Each component should be labeled for simple springtime reassembly.
- When necessary, remove air from pipes and test drain valves.
Conclusion
Before the first heavy frost, which occurs when the temperature falls below freezing for more than a few hours, you should know how to shut off sprinkler system for winter. Winterizing keeps water from freezing and swelling in the pipes, which can lead to their destruction.
You can ensure the safety of your irrigation system throughout the winter months by following the above guidelines of “how to shut off sprinkler system for winter”.
It’s preferable to consult a professional if you have a complicated sprinkler system with several zones or are unclear on how to winterize it. The blowout method is one of the tools and procedures that professionals might use to protect your system and remove water safely and effectively. To prevent long-term damage, don’t be reluctant to reach out to professionals if you don’t have an air compressor or experience recurring problems.