As the winter months begin to settle in, it’s important to ensure that your irrigation system is properly prepared for the frigid temperatures ahead. A poorly winterized system could result in costly repairs come springtime. At Emerald Irrigation & Landscape Construction, we specialize in providing residential and commercial irrigation services in Penticton, BC.
1. Schedule a service appointment to winterize your irrigation system.
The first step to properly preparing your irrigation system for winter is to schedule a service appointment with a professional irrigation company. Professional irrigation systems have complex systems that require specific knowledge to be properly winterized. An experienced irrigation contractor can efficiently winterize your system with specialised tools like tow behind compressors to clear water out of your irrigation system to prevent damage during the winter season.
2. Turn off water supply and sprinkler system.
Before beginning the winterization process, turn off your water supply and sprinkler system. This will help prevent water from entering the sprinkler system when you blow out the lines. Once you have turned off the water supply, wait a few minutes for any water to drain out of the sprinkler heads before proceeding.
3. Blow out the lines with compressed air.
One of the most important steps in winterising your irrigation system is blowing out the lines with compressed air. This will remove any remaining moisture from the system, significantly reducing the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting due to expanded water. We suggest hiring an experienced irrigation company with specialised tools to ensure the proper technique is used to winterize your irrigation system. At Emerald Irrigation & Landscape Construction, our large tow behind compressors set at 50 psi make this process efficient and effective, without causing damage.
4. Insulate exposed pipes.
Preventing exposed pipes from freezing is key to a successful irrigation system winterization. You can insulate exposed pipes by wrapping them with foam insulation, pipe sleeves, or heat tape. This will help to protect pipes from freezing and to keep them from cracking. Make sure to secure the insulation tightly and check for any gaps, covering every exposed part of the pipe.
5. Service sprinkler heads and valves.
Finally, after the winterization of the system, it is a good idea to have the sprinkler heads and valves serviced. This will help identify any leaks, issues or damages to the system that may need to be repaired before summer. If you do find any issues, ensure they are addressed to prevent running into any irrigation problems during the summertime.
While it may seem like a daunting task, winterizing your irrigation system should be done annually to ensure the longevity and functionality of your system. Many home insurance companies will not cover repairs caused by winter damage. Be proactive by hiring a professional irrigation company to winterize your system and ensure your system is properly maintained and functional for years to come. At Emerald Irrigation & Landscape Construction in Penticton, we specialize in providing exceptional irrigation services and will help you maintain and care for your irrigation system. Call us today to book your appointment.
From our blog: Landscaping – Getting Ready for Winter