As the summer heat begins to fade and fall approaches, the need to water your lawn becomes less crucial. In Missouri, the grass enters a dormant state to prepare for winter. But when should you start winterizing your sprinkler system to protect it from potential damage?
The Right Time to Winterize
In order to prevent any damage, your sprinkler lines should be drained before the temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit. Failure to winterize before a hard freeze (when the air temperature is below 0 degrees Fahrenheit) can lead to costly repairs.
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A general guideline is to winterize your sprinkler system in early fall. However, it’s important to keep an eye on the weather and ensure that your watering system is drained and blown out at least one week before the first freeze of the season.
Why Winterizing is Essential
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Winterizing your sprinkler system is crucial because if water freezes inside the pipes, it can cause cracking or even bursting. Leaving water in the system can also result in broken sprinkler heads. The most critical component to protect during winter is the manifold, which controls the water supply to different watering zones. Replacing the manifold can be both expensive and challenging.
Considering that most sprinkler systems are buried between 8 to 12 inches underground, it’s unlikely to prevent freezing in locations like the Midwest. Since the average cost of installation is over $3000, it’s wise to protect your investment.
How to Winterize Your System
Though you can winterize your sprinkler system by yourself, it’s recommended to seek the help of a trained irrigation professional due to the complexity of the process.
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Here is a brief overview of the steps involved in a sprinkler system blowout:
- Turn off the water supply.
- Open valves to manually drain the remaining water in the system (backflow preventer, manifold, etc.).
- Attach an industrial air compressor to blow out the remaining water through the sprinkler heads.
- Leave the valves open at a 45-degree angle for the winter months.
To preserve the integrity of your sprinkler system, avoid these common mistakes when attempting to winterize it on your own:
- Do not exceed 80 PSI for systems with PVC piping or 50 PSI for systems with polyethylene piping.
- Remove and seal the flow sensors to avoid damage.
- Do not leave the air compressor unattended.
- Blow out the system first before draining the backflow or pump.
- Close the manual drain valves after the blowout.
Need Professional Help?
If you’re unsure about winterizing your sprinkler system or don’t want to take any chances, don’t hesitate to contact us for expert irrigation services. Invest in protecting your sprinkler system now, and enjoy lush lawns in the summers to come.
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