Winterizing Irrigation Systems

Although the winters in southwest Washington are not typically harsh, homeowners are usually surprised by a severe cold snap at least once in the season.  Inevitably, this spells the doom of many irrigation systems that haven’t been properly winterized against the cold.  Damage due to frozen pipes is not difficult to prevent, but can be quite costly to fix, especially if established landscaping fixtures are involved.  It pays to be prepared.  Rather than risking a pricey surprise when it’s time to activate the water in the Spring, it’s worth taking the time to ensure that these systems are shut down and secured properly.

Winterizing an irrigation system is a fairly straightforward procedure.  The water needs to be shut off, in an insulated location.  If the main valve is exposed to the cold, it is still susceptible to freezing and cracking under pressure, so it is important to locate a shut-off point where this will not happen.

Next, any irrigation controllers connected to the system should be turned off.  If they are allowed to continue cycling in cold weather and the absence of water, valves will tend to fracture and break.  Some systems allow themselves to be put on rain mode, which pauses the cycle, but it is usually wise to deactivate the system entirely until Spring.

After this, valves on each irrigation line need to be opened to release the pressure.  If the system is installed on a slope, it is possible that this will drain the water from the pipes, but frequently it is necessary to use an air compressor to thoroughly clear the system.  This works more effectively than gravity, but must be performed carefully so as not to over-pressurize the system.  Any water remaining in the pipes poses a risk for freezing, so it is important to make sure that this step is thoroughly done.

When performed properly, this winterizing procedure will ensure that an irrigation system will survive even a deep freeze without sustaining damage, saving homeowners and investors the frustration of costly repairs.  If you own property in southern Washington state, and would like help winterizing your irrigation system, contact Boulder Falls Landscaping.  We have experience with all types of systems and configurations, and can help make sure that your system functions smoothly for many years.

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