Properly Winterizing Your Home’s Irrigation System

Each year in Texas, the winter brings about low temperatures and a bit of chill. For us, it’s not a huge problem. We can cover up in an extra layer, wrap ourselves in blankets, or turn up the heat a few degrees. But for your plants, even a slight chill can spell disaster. For your irrigation system, it could be the end. You need to winterize your irrigation system.

Winterizing Your Irrigation System

Today’s irrigation systems use either PVC piping (rigid and white), which can freeze, expand, and crack due to cold weather, or polyethylene pipe (flexible and black), which is better suited to a cold environment. However, even polyethylene is capable of expanding under pressure, freezing, and rupturing if water is left inside the pipes.

The key to properly winterizing your irrigation is draining the system.

• Manual Drain – The manual drain method utilizes the manual valves located at each end and low points of the piping system. To completely drain the unit, shut off the water supply and open the drain valves. Once drained, open the boiler drain valve or drain cape and drain the remaining water.
• Blow-Out Method – If using the blow-out method, it’s important to wear eye protection, as you will be using compressed air. To blow out the irrigation system – a task best left to professionals – you should shut off the water supply, attach the air compressor hose to the fitting, then slowly open the valve to introduce air into the system.

If you require assistance with winterizing your irrigation system, please do not hesitate to call Andy’s Sprinkler, Drainage & Lighting. We specialize in modern irrigation systems and understand the inner-workings of each unit. Please call us at 972-418-6998 for top-rated service any day!