Peace of Mind with Sprinkler
Winterization
As the temperature dips in early fall it signals the need for homeowners to take action and prepare their sprinkler systems for the upcoming winter months. Sprinkler winterization is crucial for preventing damage and ensuring that your irrigation system remains in top condition for the next spring and summer.
When to Winterize: Timing Matters
Timing is everything when it comes to sprinkler winterization. The optimal period to shut down your sprinkler system is when soil temperatures drop to around 40°F – 50°F, lawns enter a state of dormancy, characterized by a yellowish hue. This change is a natural response by your lawn to conserve energy, and it’s a clear sign that it’s time to take action.
Why Winterize: Protecting Your Investment
Winterization isn’t just a routine task; it’s a wise investment in the longevity of your irrigation system. The primary goal of winterization is to prevent freezing, which can cause significant damage to your sprinkler system. When water freezes, it expands by 10%, exerting immense pressure on pipes and components. Even the toughest materials, like steel pipes and backflow devices, are vulnerable to this force. The result? Costly repairs in the spring.
In fact, the power of frozen water is remarkable – it can move 10-15 tons of rocks or damage a 3-inch solid steel ship hull. Your sprinkler system, no matter how robust, is no match for such destructive potential. Winterization protects your investment and saves you money by preventing these damaging effects.
How to Winterize: the Right Tools and Professionals
While some homeowners may consider winterization as a DIY task, it’s important to recognize that it requires specific tools and expertise. The key to successful winterization is ensuring a large volume of air flows through the system to expel all water.
Attempting to use a small home air compressor is not recommended, as these lack the necessary volume and pressure. To effectively blow out your system, you need 80-100 cubic feet per minute (cfm), while an average residential air compressor typically provides only 2 cfm. Relying on a small compressor carries a high risk of leaving water in your sprinkler pipes, which defeats the purpose of winterization.
The Solution: Sprinkler Master’s Expertise
For homeowners seeking peace of mind and professional assistance, Sprinkler Master offers a reliable solution. Their team of licensed and insured technicians specializes in sprinkler system repair. A significant portion of their work revolves around rectifying issues caused by improper winterization or the absence of it altogether.
Sprinkler Master follows a comprehensive five-step checklist to ensure your system is adequately winterized:
- Shut off the main line or stop and waste valve.
- Connect a commercial air compressor and thoroughly drain each zone.
- Adjust the sprinkler timer for winter use.
- Open bleeder valves as needed for your specific system.
- Safely shut down the backflow by positioning the ball valves at 45° degrees.
Sprinkler winterization is not just a seasonal chore but a crucial step in safeguarding your investment. It protects your irrigation system from the destructive forces of freezing water, preventing costly repairs in the spring. Remember that Sprinkler Master is here for timely winterization ensuring a healthy and vibrant lawn for the seasons ahead.
