Ohio, popularly known as a water-rich state, makes irrigation systems fix the precise needs of any lawns and landscape. However, winterizing the lawn irrigation system demands specialized techniques and machinery. But, if you live in an area where the temperature dips below freezing point, you must ensure you prepare the irrigation system for winter conditions by draining out the water and insulating the sprinkler components.
Use the primary valve placed near the water meter to turn off the water in the system. You should turn off any valves (usually, there are 2 valves) that help in thwarting backflow.
If your system operates on an automated timer, switch it to rain mode. Doing so ensures that you are making your settings ready for the spring. If the system does not have a rain mode, switch the timer off completely.
Draining the remaining water from the system is crucial. You can follow three main methods of water drainage, depending on the type of irrigation system you own.
If you have a manual drain irrigation system, follow these simple steps-
Follow these steps to activate the automatic draining of water-
Force compressed air through the irrigation system to drain the pipes. It helps in discharging extra water through the sprinkler heads. However, the blow-out method works efficiently; if you have a proper irrigation system to handle the pressure.
Safety Tip- Do not exceed 80 PSI for PVC piping or 50 PSI for polyethylene piping. Don’t stand near an active head when blowing out your irrigation system. Make sure you wear safety goggles to protect your eyes. It is always advisable to hire a professional to use the blow-out method.
It is significant to insulate any exposed components of an irrigation system during the winter. Either, you may use insulation foam or tape to cover the components or use foil pipe insulation. Cover the water supply shut-off valve, backflow preventers, and exposed pipes. On the backflow preventers, make sure not to block any air vents or drain outlets.
The automatic irrigation system is buried twelve inches below the soil surface. Hence, any leftover water in the system over the winter will freeze. It causes damage to pipes, fittings, valves, and sprinklers. You may use compressed air on your irrigation system equipped with automatic and manual drain valves to ensure that the irrigation system gets winterized properly.
The first freeze typically occurs anywhere between early October and early November. The irrigation system you choose will either have a manual dial or digital readout. While digital controllers can be programmed, the manual controllers must be turned completely to ‘off’ mode with reprogramming requirements in springtime.
All these techniques are relevant to lawn irrigation of any size and shape.
Galena Lawn Care has been one of the prominent names when it comes to specialist landscaping services in Ohio. The specialist in lawn care provides essential guidance to commercial and residential clients on different subjects that including winterizing lawn irrigation systems too.