Meteorologists rank Minnesota as the fourth coldest state in America — and with an annual temperature of 43.9 degrees Fahrenheit, it’s easy to see why. Frigid conditions can impact your irrigation system, causing it to malfunction when the weather warms up in spring.
Our guide will cover everything you need to know about how to winterize irrigation systems to save you time, money, and headaches on future repair needs.
System Types
There are several irrigation options for residential and commercial properties. Here’s a brief description of five of the most common systems and their benefits:
- Drip irrigation: This system consists of a network of thin, porous tubes positioned at ground level. Drip irrigation is ideal for flower beds as it distributes water near plant roots.
- Sprinkler systems: A sprinkler system is one of the most popular irrigation options for large areas. They include piping and sprinkler heads, allowing the system to deliver a fine mist over your green space.
- Subsurface irrigation: As the name suggests, a subsurface irrigation system consists of tubing buried below the ground. It’s a convenient option for lawns or golf courses as it does not obstruct play.
- Rainwater harvesting systems: If you’re looking for a way to save on your water bill, rainwater harvesting systems are a great solution. These solutions collect, store, and distribute rainwater throughout your green space.
- Manual irrigation: People with smaller gardens may opt for manual irrigation using hoses and watering cans. While this option is one of the most affordable to set up, it is fairly time-consuming.
Why Winterize Irrigation Systems
Once you’ve chosen and installed your irrigation system, you must prioritize careful maintenance for maximum longevity. One crucial maintenance task is winterization.
Here are some of the most significant benefits of prioritizing this process before the temperatures start to plummet:
- Prevent freezing: If you’ve ever put a bottle in the freezer and forgotten about it, you know that water expands when it freezes. Once the outdoor temperature reaches freezing, it can have the same effect on the water in your pipes, sometimes resulting in cracks and leaks.
- Save money: While tasking a professional team to winterize your irrigation system comes at a cost, it helps avoid expensive repairs later on. You’ll also be able to resume your watering schedule in the spring, helping ensure your landscaping and plants can thrive.
- Protect your warranty: Winterizing your irrigation system is often a condition that ensures your warranty. Protect your investment by making sure you complete this process each year.
How to Winterize Irrigation Systems for Lawns
While irrigation systems may differ somewhat in construction, they typically contain various pipes to channel water. Learn more about the steps to help you master the winterization process.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
The first step is to turn off the water. While this likely seems as simple as flicking a switch, you may need to complete a few steps in this process. Here’s a quick breakdown:
- Turn off the main water supply: You must locate the main valve to turn off the water source that feeds your irrigation — this will prevent excess water from entering the line during the colder months.
- Switch off the stop and waste valve: If your irrigation system connects to your home water supply, you’ll likely have a stop and waste valve. These are sometimes underground or in your basement, so consult your floor plan to help you locate them.
- Deactivate the backflow device valves: There are generally two of these valves — ensure you turn both off. Remembering to switch off these valves will minimize the chance of damage during freezing temperatures.
2. Drain the System
You can remove water from your irrigation pipes in three ways — manual, automatic, or by implementing the blow-out method. The manual process requires you to physically open the drain valves and allow the water to disperse. Sprinkler systems with automatic drain valves will open by themselves once the pressure reaches a desired point.
The blow-out method requires some finesse. First, prepare yourself with the relevant personal protective equipment (PPE). You may want to buy or rent an air compressor to complete the job. You will need to attach the compressor to each zone and release the corresponding valve.
While do-it-yourself enthusiasts can complete the job, there’s a risk of mishandling the air compressor and causing great damage. Avoid any issues by working with an expert team to handle all elements of your irrigation winterization.
3. Insulate Exterior Components
Insulating exterior elements helps to protect them from the impact of freezing temperatures. Some important components to insulate include the main shut-off valve, pipes, and backflow preventers.
You can tailor your insulation according to the component. For example, pipes will benefit from insulation tape, whereas bigger components work best with an insulation blanket.
4. Tidy Up for Next Season
The final step in winterizing your irrigation is to pack away all components so they are ready to use once the weather warms up. Detach sprinkler heads, hoses, and any other above-ground accessories. You can store them in a dry space to prevent any damage.
When the warmer seasons arrive, you’ll be able to unpack these elements and reinstall your irrigation systems to hydrate your spring blooms.
Why Hire Experts for Winterization
It may be tempting to winterize your irrigation system alone — yet there are some key setbacks to be aware of.
Here’s what to consider before winterizing your system:
- Time-consuming task: It can be challenging to do this task on time between busy work schedules and family commitments. Ensure you complete winterizing your irrigation on time by outsourcing it to a professional.
- Tricky to get right: Winterizing your system requires more than just draining your lines. You need to know which valves to close and how to remove all water from the pipes for efficiency.
- Peace of mind: While handling the winterization process yourself can save you a buck, there’s a lot at stake. Enjoy greater peace of mind by enlisting a professional company to handle the draining of the pipes. You’ll be able to confidently resume watering your plants when the weather warms up.
Choose Green & Black to Winterize Your Irrigation System
Winterizing your irrigation system is an essential maintenance task. Enlisting a professional company to handle the job will ensure you do it right and prevent expensive repairs later.
Green & Black LLC handles a multitude of commercial and residential maintenance tasks to ensure your green space remains looking its best!
If you’re looking for someone to help you handle the winterization of irrigation systems and safeguard your investment, get in touch with us today!