A complete guide to preventing freezing of sprinkler irrigation pipes in winter

A complete guide to preventing freezing of sprinkler irrigation pipes in winter

Severe cold in winter is the "number one enemy" of the sprinkler irrigation system. Once the water in the pipes and sprinkler heads freezes and expands, it can easily cause burst damage, causing expensive repairs and delays in the coming spring. Just take the time to do the following key steps before winter begins, and your system will survive the winter safely.

Step 1: Drain all standing water from pipes and equipment. This is the most core and most effective antifreeze measure.

Turn off the water supply: First, completely turn off the main valve to the sprinkler system.

Zone draining: Use the system's original drain valve (usually located at the lowest point of the pipe) or manually open the solenoid valve of each irrigation zone, and rely on gravity to allow the water in the pipe to flow out naturally. For branch pipes without drain valves, the end joints can be unscrewed to drain.

Empty the nozzle: For lift-type nozzles that are higher than the ground, you need to lift them manually to allow the residual water inside to drain away.

Drain the water pump: If using a water pump, be sure to unscrew the drainage screw at the bottom of the pump body and drain out all accumulated water in the pump chamber and connected pipes.

Step 2: Special treatment for parts that cannot be drained.

Valves and Controllers: Remove the solenoid valve installed outdoors and store it indoors in a dry place. Disconnect power to the irrigation controller.

Pipe purging (for large or complex systems): For long distances or undulating pipes, gravity alone may not be able to drain them. A small air compressor can be used to blow compressed air into the pipe from the system inlet to completely discharge the remaining moisture. This is the most thorough antifreeze method.

Step 3: Protect and store properly.

Insulation of exposed pipes: For pipes that must be buried shallowly or are partially exposed, foam insulation pipes or old blankets or straw ropes can be wrapped around them.

Storing removable parts: Clean the disassembled nozzles, filters, quick-connect valves and other small parts and store them indoors.

Finally, keep inspection records. After completing all steps, check along the pipeline to make sure nothing is missing. It is best to record the drainage and disassembly steps so that when you restart next spring, you can follow the diagram and recover quickly.

By following the four-step method of “draining, disassembling, protecting, and recording”, you can ensure that the sprinkler irrigation system survives the cold winter with minimal cost, and can resume normal irrigation with a simple connection next spring.