The Importance of Winterizing Your Sprinkler System
As the colder months approach, it’s essential to prepare your lawn irrigation system for the winter to avoid costly repairs and damage. One crucial step in this process is performing a sprinkler blowout Longmont CO. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the process of performing a successful sprinkler blowout in five easy steps, ensuring your system remains protected during the winter months.
Step 1: Gather Your Tools and Equipment
Before you begin, gather all the necessary tools and equipment for the job. You’ll need an air compressor with a cubic feet per minute (CFM) rating suitable for your system, as well as an adapter to connect the compressor to your irrigation system’s blowout port. Additionally, you may need a set of wrenches or pliers to access the blowout port.
Step 2: Shut Off the Water Supply
Locate the main shut-off valve for your irrigation system and turn it off to prevent water from entering the pipes. This valve is typically located near the water meter or inside a valve box buried in the ground. Once the water supply is shut off, open the drain valves on the backflow preventer and any other low points in the system to allow excess water to drain out.
Step 3: Connect the Air Compressor
Next, connect the air compressor to the blowout port on your irrigation system using the appropriate adapter. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper connection and operation of the compressor. Start the compressor and gradually increase the pressure until it reaches the recommended PSI for your system, usually between 50 and 80 PSI. sprinkler contractor Thornton CO
Step 4: Blow Out the Sprinkler Lines
With the air compressor running, systematically blow out each zone of your sprinkler system, starting with the zone farthest from the compressor and working your way back. Open the valves on one zone at a time and allow the compressor to blow air through the lines until no water is coming out of the sprinkler heads. Repeat this process for each zone until all lines are clear of water.
Step 5: Drain and Store Equipment
Once you’ve blown out all the sprinkler lines, turn off the compressor and disconnect it from the blowout port. Open all the drain valves on the backflow preventer and any other low points in the system to allow any remaining water to drain out. Finally, drain and store the compressor and any other equipment properly to prevent damage during the winter months.
Conclusion
Performing a sprinkler blowout is a critical step in winterizing your lawn irrigation system and protecting it from freezing temperatures and damage. By following these five easy steps, you can ensure a successful blowout and enjoy peace of mind knowing that your system is ready for the winter months ahead.
