Winterizing a sprinkler system involves draining the water and insulating the components before Omaha’s first hard freeze arrives. But how do you do that? If you’d rather leave it to the pros, our Omaha sprinkler winterization service handles the entire process for you. If you want to tackle it yourself, this step-by-step guide covers what it takes to winterize a sprinkler system so it’s ready for the winter months ahead.
How To Winterize A Sprinkler System in Omaha, NE
Gather Your Supplies
To winterize your sprinkler system, you first need to gather the necessary supplies, which include:
- An air compressor
- Channel locks
- A wrench
- Insulation tape
Winterizing a Sprinkler System: Step-by-Step Guide
Once you have the supplies, you can begin the winterization process.
1. Shut Off the Water
First shut off the water supply. Locate the isolation valve on the water line leading to your irrigation system (typically found inside the house). To prevent water from flowing into the sprinkler system, shut off the valve.
2. Shut Down the Timer
If your sprinkler system has one, be sure to shut down the automatic timer. If the irrigation system doesn’t have one, turn it off or turn it to rain mode. When putting it in rain mode, you’ll be able to power off the timer without having to worry about the risk of having pre-programmed settings, or any other important information lost.
3. Drain the Water
Draining your system is the most time-consuming step, but it’s essential for preventing freeze damage. Start by identifying how your irrigation system is designed to drain, then follow the method that applies to you.
If your system has an automatic drain:
Run the sprinkler heads to reduce water pressure and activate the automatic drain mechanism. This allows the remaining water in the lines to flow out on its own.
If your system has manual drain valves:
Open the manual drain valves at both ends of the system and at the lowest points in the piping so gravity can pull water out of the lines. Make sure to drain the backflow device as well.
If your system doesn’t have drains (use compressed air)
- Connect the air compressor to the system using a quick-connect coupling or a hose bib.
- Locate and open the irrigation station at the highest elevation and farthest from the compressor.
- Shut off the backflow isolation valves.
- Turn on the compressor and slowly add air until water begins spraying from the open head.
- Once the water stops spraying, close that head and open the next one.
- Repeat this process until all sprinkler heads have been blown out and no water remains.
After you’re done, turn off and disconnect the compressor, then open and close the backflow device valves to reset the system.
Next, turn on the air compressor and add air to the irrigation system. Start slowly and add more air progressively until water sprays out of the open head. Once the water has stopped spraying out of the head, open the next one and close the previous head.
Continue this process until you have blown out all the water from the sprinkler heads. Turn off and disconnect the compressor from the irrigation system, open and close the backflow device valves to release any remaining air pressure from the pipes, and then close all the valves.
4. Insulate the Components
Finally, you’ll want to insulate all the components. Wrap insulation tape around the above-ground components exposed to cold temperatures: the water lines, valves, and backflow preventer, for example. Be sure to avoid blocking drain outlets or air vents. If any of these steps feel like more than you want to tackle on a cold fall weekend, our team handles Omaha sprinkler winterization from start to finish, just give us a call.
Don’t Risk Freeze Damage to Your Irrigation System
Winterizing your sprinkler system before Omaha’s first hard freeze helps protect the pipes, valves, sprinkler heads, and backflow preventer from expensive cold-weather damage. While shutting off the water and protecting exposed components are important, fully removing water from every zone is the most critical part of the process.
DIY sprinkler blowouts can be risky if the air pressure is too high, the compressor does not provide enough airflow, or water remains trapped in underground lines and irrigation components. Excessive pressure can damage PVC pipes, fittings, seals, valves, and sprinkler heads, potentially creating the repair issues winterization is intended to prevent.
If you are unsure which drainage method your system uses, do not have the correct equipment, or would rather avoid the risk of damaging your irrigation system, schedule professional sprinkler winterization in Omaha. A trained technician can blow out each zone properly, protect the backflow preventer, and help ensure your system is ready for winter and reliable again in the spring.
Not comfortable winterizing your sprinkler system on your own? Call the professionals for sprinkler winterization services. Failing to properly winterize your sprinkler system can lead to hefty sprinkler system repair expenses come spring.
Additional Information: When Should I Winterize My Lawn in Omaha, Nebraska?
Schedule Professional Sprinkler Winterization in Omaha
Don’t wait until freezing temperatures put your irrigation system at risk. Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers provides professional sprinkler winterization and blowout services for homeowners and businesses throughout Omaha and the surrounding area.
Contact Pioneer Underground Lawn Sprinklers to schedule sprinkler winterization in Omaha or request a free estimate for a new irrigation system installation. Call 402-934-7900 to schedule your service.
