Protecting Your Irrigation System During Winter
Just because your irrigation system isn’t in use doesn’t mean it’s safe from damage, malfunctions, or other issues. In fact, neglecting your equipment through winter can plant the seeds (pardon the pun) for serious problems next spring. And since most of the system is underground, you won’t know until it’s too late. Here are a few reasons to winterize:
- Freezing temperatures can destroy expensive irrigation equipment. Broken pipes, sensors, and property damage from water leaks are the main culprits, but as water expands as it freezes, anything that isn’t drained properly is at risk.
- In warmer areas, stagnant water left in the system can develop bacteria, mold, algae, or mineral deposits and compromise the integrity of the system, causing damage over time.
- Warranty and insurance coverage can be compromised if you don’t take care of your equipment. Most policies won’t cover these issues, which are seen as ‘preventable’ with routine maintenance.
- Property damage can result from cracked or clogged lines, valves, or other components, causing flooding or water damage.
Commercial Irrigation Winterization Best Practices
As with most things, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, as they say. As we mentioned earlier, since most of your system is underground, it’s tough to know with 100% certainty that things are safe for the winter, but with these best practices, you can rest assured that you’ve done everything in your power to curtail any issues that may arise during the long, cold winter. Here’s your fall irrigation checklist:
- Start the process before the first hard freeze – typically before nighttime temperatures drop below 32 degrees Fahrenheit consistently.
- Shut off the water supply and make sure there’s no new water entering the system
- Drain the system. Common methods are:
- Manual – opening drains at low points and let gravity work
- Automatic – Some systems have automatic drain valves that activate when the system pressure drops
- Compressed air – blow water out with compressed air with these recommended pressures:
- PVC: 30-50 PSI
- Metal: 80 PSI
- Check all the system components to ensure that backflow preventers, pressure regulators, and any components located above ground.
- Close drains and mark valve locations for easier set up in spring.
Making sure your irrigation system is properly winterized can save you hundreds – if not thousands – of dollars. From broken equipment to property damage, missing this critical step can be a costly mistake. Finding a partner who knows your system can be a tremendous advantage when next spring rolls around – so before winter hits, be sure to contact us to schedule a winterization appointment.
DON’T MISS OUT ON WINTERIZING YOUR IRRIGATION SYSTEM! CONTACT YOUR LOCAL DAVEY REP TODAY!
