How to Winterize Your Automatic Lawn Irrigation System

It is very important especially for those who own an automatic lawn irrigation system to winterize it because if not, the system may freeze during the cold seasons and may damage it. Winterization helps to minimize possible damages that could be caused by cold and freezing temperatures to your system ,ensuring your system is in proper state ready to operate when the spring is here. This article is going to outline the processes and procedures you have to undertake if you are to effectively winterize your automatic lawn irrigation system; some of the processes and techniques that should be done in order to prevent the system from being damaged by the harsh winter weather, or to reduce the likelihood of this occurring and the need for repairs in future.

 

Understanding the Winterization Process

These are some of the common problems that face automatic lawn irrigation systems, especially during the freeze period as it affects the pipes, valves, and fittings. In winterizing the system, all items should be dew pointed to successfully eliminate water to non-freezing levels, and to achieve as close to zero as possible, the remaining water should be drained off. The fixed time depends with the type and design of the system that you are using, whether it is drip system, sprinkler system and the climate of your region.

 

AUTO Lawn Irrigation System: Winterizing; A Comprehensive Procedure.

1. Turn Off the Water Supply: Systematically switch off your water supply to prevent wastage and to ensure the safety of your irrigation system. This will help avoid the entry of water into the system during the process of this procedure at times of the winterization.

 

2. Drain the System:

To remove excess water, make sure that the water in all the irrigation lines, valves and sprinkler heads are drained. Begin with draining that comes with the help of the drain valves or the drain ports found on the low regions of the equipment. The rest of water has to be removed, and it must be done using compressed air. It is also important not to overinflate and use any wrong technique this may cause damages on the manufacturer’s system.

 

3. Remove and Store Components:

Discard any disposable parts like sprinkler heads, valves or back flow preventers from the system are any other part that can be removed should be taken indoors or put in a heated area. These components should be cleaned and inspected for damage and parts that are worn out and required repair before reinstallation come spring.

 

4. Insulate Exposed Components:

The above ground piping and backflow preventers shall be insulated with foam sleeves and wraps. This assists on reducing their chances of cooling down and thus getting damaged due to freezing temperatures.

 

5. Program Controller Settings:

Many plants enter a period of dormancy in the winter so it is recommended to programme your irrigation system controller or timer so that it provides less water compared to what is given during the other seasons. Turn it to ‘off’ or ‘rain mode’ to avoid the system switching on during Freezing weather or rainfall.

 

6. Check for Leaks:

Search for any signs of holes or cracks that may be causing leakage or other related defects throughout the system. This should be done to avoid water accumulation and formation of ice in the system especially when the weather is freezing.

 

7. Schedule Professional Maintenance:

Do of the outside climate it is recommended to hire a professional maintenance service come in and look at your irrigation systems and do the Final winterization if needed. It must also be noted that the professionals are experienced and have the appropriate tools that will guarantee an efficient job on the winterization process; they also have knowledge of the areas that might experience some problems in the near future that might need repair.

 

Some of the benefits of winterizing your automatic lawn irrigation system include

1. Prevents Damage:

Winterizing ranges prevent water from freezing and its consequence such as damaging some pipes, valves and fitting and thus requiring an expensive hammering and replacement.

 

2. Extends Lifespan:

Heeding such practices guarantees durability of the automatic lawn irrigation system amid the cold season hence increasing the product’s cycle of efficiency.

 

3. Saves Money:

Since investing in winterization results in less repairs needed due to freeze damage and helps to be ready for water usage in the spring and summer, it is economically sound to do so.

 

Conclusion

However, as the season changes and the snow starts to fall, it is crucial to properly winterize an automatic lawn irrigation system to maintain its part’s integrity and functionality. If you follow the above steps and take the necessary precaution to prevent your system for winter, then you should be in good stead to avoid a host of problems and have a flexible irrigation system waiting for spring. Staying true to the manufacturer’s recommendations and seeking the help of a professional is recommended specially if one is not as familiar with the winterization process and the particular system in question. These measures will prevent sharp stones, heavier debris or any other destructive elements and the lawn will remain green all year round by using the automatic lawn irrigation system that was installed.