Winterize Irrigation System

The fall season is upon us and soon enough we will need to winterize our irrigation systems. Living in Florida makes it fairly easy to winterize a system. Here in North Florida we do end up getting a few mild freezes during the winter months.

Here in the south we don't need to drain our PVC lines like they do up north. Our pipes are in the ground below the frost line. Any above ground pipes need to be insulated with insulation tape, foam, or any other kind of acceptable method. Pumps, backflow preventors, index valves should also be covered.

For those of you not lucky enough to live in Florida or any other warm, tropical climate; you will have to drain, or blow out your pipes. This can be done using a small air compressor, or air tank and blowing the water out of the lines on each individual zone. Make sure to shut off your water source to the system and get all the water out of the lines by removing one of the heads on a particular zone and using a quick-connect fitting to attach the compressor. Apply the air until the heads pop up and all the water is relieved.

Those with above ground pumps will need to drain the pump by removing the drain plug which is usually located on the bottom of the pump housing. For my customers here in Florida who still have to water because of rye grass, I recommend that they cover their pump housings with a couple thick blankets. BE SURE TO NOT COVER THE MOTOR. The pump motor gets hot and needs ventilation! You can cover the housing of the pump without covering the motor. If you are not sure which part to cover, then leave it alone and call a professional.

Scott Young
http://www.autolawnsprinklers.com