Checklist to Effectively Winterize Your Richmond Home Irrigation System
Checklist to Effectively Winterize Your Richmond Home Irrigation System
It’s that time of year when homeowners are looking to prepare their home irrigation system for the coming winter months, which requires several steps to effectively winterize the system. Here we’ve highlighted some recommended steps from our team of irrigation system specialists, in order to ensure that your home irrigation system is protected during the cold winter months and functions properly come Spring.
While individual homeowners can take these steps themselves, it is recommended to involve an irrigation professional who will have the equipment, measurement capability and experience to effectively winterize and protect your irrigation system.
Richmond Irrigation System Winterization Tips:
Winterization Tip #1: Shut Off the Water Supply
Locate and turn off the main irrigation water supply to prevent water from entering the system during freezing temperatures. If this is not done, the water can freeze during the winter and potentially damage your system.
Winterization Tip #2: Drain the System
Remove any and all remaining water from pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads using high-volume compressed air. High volume (at least 75 cubic feet/minute) and moderate pressure (50 to 60 psi) is needed to safely remove all the water, especially in low areas. Most home air compressors are not capable of delivering this volume, so involving a professional technician is recommended.
Winterization Tip #3: Remove and Store Hose-End Sprinklers
Disconnect irrigation system hoses and portable sprinklers, drain them, and store them indoors to prevent cracking or rusting.
Schedule a Professional Winterization Inspection Today
It’s important every winter to take these steps to protect your investment and the smooth operation of your home irrigation system. If you’re unsure about the blow-out process or system safety, hire a professional irrigation service to perform a full winterization. For winterization-related questions or to schedule a service appointment, contact the team at James River Irrigation today.