Sprinkler System Winterization Tips: The Do’s and Don’ts

Do:

• Expel all the water from your irrigation system prior to the first freeze of the year (usually by the end of September or early October) to avoid broken pipes and damage to other system components.

• Check your system to find out which type of water removal process is recommended—manual drain, auto drain, or blowout. Generally using compressed air to blowout the system is recommended in Colorado.

• If using the blowout method in particular, consider hiring professionals.  The winterization process poses some significant dangers if you are not properly trained

• If determined to blowout your sprinkler system yourself, take proper precautions and use ANSI approved protective eyewear. Compressed air can be very dangerous!

• After turning off and winterizing your automatic sprinkler system in the winter, continue watering your lawn with a hand hose or a wand sprinkler during dry spells when the temperature is above 40° F.

Don’t:

• ….Forego protective eyewear.  Compressed air can result in flying debris which can cause serious injury.

• If using the blowout method, do not leave the air compressor unattended at any time.

• Don’t allow the air pressure to exceed 50 PSI for systems with polyethylene piping or 80 PSI for systems with PVC piping.

• Don’t asssume it’s too late to do anything about your system if the first freeze has already passed and you have not yet winterized.  Most sprinkler fittings are located far enough underground that the first freeze will not affect them, but it is important to act quickly before additional freezes occur.

At Detailed Landscape, we are experts at winterizing irrigation systems. Give us a call if you need more information!