Getting Your Drip Irrigation System Ready for Winter
Your drip irrigation system does an excellent job helping you conserve water and fight plant disease and weeds. It makes your work easier as it minimizes the time you spend on yard work. However, your drip irrigation system requires care and maintenance like any other system. During winter, the last thing you want is to leave the system in its natural state. So, how do winterize drip irrigation systems? This article provides the steps you can take to winterize your system and why you should do it.
Why Should I Winterize My Drip Irrigation System?
A drip irrigation system has filters, valves, poly pipes, plastic fittings, and PVC. If these components are left to freeze, they can easily burst, which can be quite expensive to replace or repair. Generally, winterizing your drip irrigation only takes a few minutes, resulting in low or no maintenance in the coming months.
How Do I Get My Drip Irrigation System Ready for Winter?
The best way to winterize your system is to drain it fully. Here are other tips to guide you through the process.
Shut-Off the Drain System
Close the water supply and detach the faucet assembly, including the pressure regulator, filter, and timer. Drain these components and safely store them in your home or garage to prevent them from freezing. Remove batteries from battery timers to avoid damage and corrosion. Open the valves and remove all end fittings to drain the system. These fittings may crack if they have water in them. Elevate the fittings to ensure they’re completely drained. You can also install flush valves to drain any trapped water.
Blow Out the Lines
Blowing out the lines using compressed air can be less time-consuming and more effective. Be sure to disconnect the end fittings before you blow out the lines. This helps prevent damage to your drip irrigation system.
Seal the Open Lines
Once you’ve drained the lines, you may want to replace all the end fittings. Make sure the caps are a bit loose to allow free draining throughout winter. Seal off the system’s entry point where you remove the faucet assembly. You can use a female hose plug to seal at the opening of the system. You can also use a nylon bag to cover the system’s opening. Never leave the lines open, as insects and debris can take shelter in the open lines.
What To Do During Spring Start-Up
When restarting the system for spring, tighten all end caps and check for leaks and damage that might have occurred over winter. Install new alkaline batteries in battery timers and replace any broken, cracked, or corroded components.
We’re Here To Help
If you need more information or have questions about how to winterize your drip irrigation system, we’re here to help. B&M Pump Irrigation Sales & Service, Inc. is your reliable, efficient irrigation specialist serving the greater Southwest region. Our services range from pumps, wells, irrigation systems, pivot systems, and much more. Contact us today to learn more.
Categorised in: Irrigation