Fast And Easy Steps To Winterize Your Lawn Irrigation System
Another summer season is rapidly fading away. The dried leaves are transforming and Halloween stuff is being sold in the outlets. Once the grass becomes hopelessly brownish and stunted, it's an ideal time to think about closing down the below ground yard sprinkler system system and winterizing it for the autumn as well as winter seasons. After-all, you need to get it out of the way now so you can concentrate on the snowblower soon, yes?
A lot of people choose to call the irrigation company to pay a visit and blow out the lawn irrigation system lines, but it's not always necessary seeing that with the right tools you can do it yourself. You do not really need any fancy tools aside from what's in a standard tool box. Needle nose pliers and channel lock pliers can also also come in handy. And also, you will definitely need an air compressor. if you do not have an air compressor you're out of luck. You'll need to buy one or mooch one from a friend or neighbor who trusts you enough.
The amount of time involved isn't even that bad. Plenty of it depends of course on the size of one's lawn and the scope of the irrigation system. This is the type of project that becomes increasingly simple with repetition. It's normal to move along slowly the 1st time you are doing this so just be patient and chill out should you start getting angry and losing your temper.
If your sprinkler system pipes are less than 2 inches down, chances are you need to winterize the system or risk a blowout. If you fail to properly winterize the lines you might be in for a free shower in Spring when you turn it back on.
1) Open the drain on the water supply line after shutting off the water supply. Shut off the drain valve when the line is done weeping water.
Make sure your air compressor that is the right size. In most cases 50 cubic feet of pressure is enough for residential homes. Contractors usually go with compressors in the 125 cubit foot range.
2) Take the backflow prevention device off and hook up the compressor to the piping where the backflow was mounted. Make sure the air doesn't pass through the pump or the back flow preventer or damage may occur. Blast air in the piping until all the water is blown out. Use caution that that the compressor beak or conduit is not becoming overly heated from air friction.
3) Turn off the compressor, shut the valve off and head towards the next valve in line. Move along to each valve and repeat the process of blowing it out. To ensure a job well done you might run through the steps 2 or 3 times, making sure all the water is out of the lines. Turn the last valve to open, and shut all the others to closed. This will hopefully allow for an escape route should any remaining water begin to freeze. That's pretty much it!
Dependent upon the climatic conditions a person may leave the irrigation backflow device disconnected, or possibly hang it right back in place. Some users install a irrigation backflow enclosure or insulated backflow cover to provide security and freeze protection. If you want to play things extra safe pay a contractor or irrigation specialist to come out and winterize your lawn irrigation system the first time and watch him like a hawk. Take notes or even video some of the more difficult steps. Then do it alone the next year. Better safe than sorry, right?
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A lot of people choose to call the irrigation company to pay a visit and blow out the lawn irrigation system lines, but it's not always necessary seeing that with the right tools you can do it yourself. You do not really need any fancy tools aside from what's in a standard tool box. Needle nose pliers and channel lock pliers can also also come in handy. And also, you will definitely need an air compressor. if you do not have an air compressor you're out of luck. You'll need to buy one or mooch one from a friend or neighbor who trusts you enough.
The amount of time involved isn't even that bad. Plenty of it depends of course on the size of one's lawn and the scope of the irrigation system. This is the type of project that becomes increasingly simple with repetition. It's normal to move along slowly the 1st time you are doing this so just be patient and chill out should you start getting angry and losing your temper.
If your sprinkler system pipes are less than 2 inches down, chances are you need to winterize the system or risk a blowout. If you fail to properly winterize the lines you might be in for a free shower in Spring when you turn it back on.
1) Open the drain on the water supply line after shutting off the water supply. Shut off the drain valve when the line is done weeping water.
Make sure your air compressor that is the right size. In most cases 50 cubic feet of pressure is enough for residential homes. Contractors usually go with compressors in the 125 cubit foot range.
2) Take the backflow prevention device off and hook up the compressor to the piping where the backflow was mounted. Make sure the air doesn't pass through the pump or the back flow preventer or damage may occur. Blast air in the piping until all the water is blown out. Use caution that that the compressor beak or conduit is not becoming overly heated from air friction.
3) Turn off the compressor, shut the valve off and head towards the next valve in line. Move along to each valve and repeat the process of blowing it out. To ensure a job well done you might run through the steps 2 or 3 times, making sure all the water is out of the lines. Turn the last valve to open, and shut all the others to closed. This will hopefully allow for an escape route should any remaining water begin to freeze. That's pretty much it!
Dependent upon the climatic conditions a person may leave the irrigation backflow device disconnected, or possibly hang it right back in place. Some users install a irrigation backflow enclosure or insulated backflow cover to provide security and freeze protection. If you want to play things extra safe pay a contractor or irrigation specialist to come out and winterize your lawn irrigation system the first time and watch him like a hawk. Take notes or even video some of the more difficult steps. Then do it alone the next year. Better safe than sorry, right?
Front Yard Landscaping Ideas
Landscaping News