Sprinkler Winterization
Winterize Sprinkler System With EcoSystems
Winterizing Your Sprinkler System Has Many Benefits
When it comes to protecting your lawn sprinkler investment, please note the following and then call the pros at EcoSystems Sprinkler Systems 732-201-5845
If you have a lawn sprinkler system, you need to winterize it before the temperatures drop to the freezing. If you forget to winterize you’r sprinklers, you run the risk of the water freezing in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads. When water freezes it expands and that can break parts of or your entire sprinkler system. When you winterize your system you will end up saving money since you will not run the risk of the system freezing and breaking, you will also be protecting your homes water system. If your irrigation system breaks and you need to fix it you could run into issues when trying to fix it and end up effecting your homes water system.
WARNING: Wear ANSI approved safety eye protection if you choose to winterize on your own sprinkler system!
Extreme care must always be taken when blowing out the system with compressed air. Compressed air can cause serious injury, including serious eye injury from flying debris. Always wear ANSI approved safety eye protection and do not stand over any irrigation components (pipes, sprinklers or valves) during air blow out.
SERIOUS PERSONAL INJURY MAY RESULT IF YOU DO NOT PROCEED AS RECOMMENDED!
It is recommended that a qualified licensed contractor perform this type of winterization method. The blow out method utilizes an air compressor with a Cubic Foot per Minute (CFM) rating of 80-100 for any mainline of 2″ or less. These types of compressors can be rented at your local equipment rental yard. The compressor is attached to the mainline via a quick coupler, hose bib or other type connection, which is usually located at the backflow device.
To start the “blow out”, shut off the irrigation water supply and, with the compressor valve in the closed position, attach the air compressor hose to the fitting. Activate the station on the controller. Then slowly open the valve on the compressor; this should gradually introduce air into the irrigation system. The blow out pressure should remain below the maximum operating pressure specification of the lowest pressure rated component.
Each station/zone should be activated until no streams of water can be seen exiting the heads, this should take approximately two minutes or more per station/zone. Once the station/zone is completed, you should not continue to blow air through the pipe. Compressed air moving through dry pipes can cause friction, which will create heat and the heat could cause damage.
Once this is completed, disconnect the air compressor and release any air pressure that may be present.
