Preparing your sprinkler system for Vaughan’s winter months is something that should be done as soon as the temperatures start to drop. Maintaining the system in winter does not only preserves the system investment, but also offers an assurance that the sprinkler system will run effectively when spring comes. Please find below some major conditions that can be followed when winterizing sprinkle system as well as sprinkler system installation Vaughan.
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
The initial process in winterizing a lawn sprinkler system is to shut down the valves which supply water. Find your master shut off valve connected to the sprinkler system and close it to stop any water from ravaging the system during the cold season. It is important to perform this step in order not to have frozen pipes and other various problems.
2. Drain the System
After cutting off the water supply, ensure that you drain any remaining water from the system so that you don’t develop some forms of diseases. There are typically two methods for draining: manual and automatic.
- Manual Drain: Turn all the drain valves of the system to release water from the system. This has to be done at every zone as well as any low points along the length of pipes where water might be likely to stand.
- Automatic Drain: If your system has automatic drain valves they will begin to open as the pressure decreases and let out water. Though it is advisable to turn each zone on at least once to be certain that all the water is drained properly.
3. Blow Out the Sprinkler System
In less extreme climates, one of the ways to evacuate the water out of the sprinkler system is blowing it out. The last method which is also considered very important involves blowing air through the system with the assistance of an air compressor. Here are some tips for this step:
- Always use a compressor of at least 80 PSI so that water can be forcefully removed.
- The first valve should be the one nearest to the compressor and the examinations should proceed through all the sections.
- Turn the heads of the sprinklers slowly and leave the air to force the water to come out. Also remember that applying pressure to the system is wrong, so avoid applying too much pressure.
4. Protect Above-Ground Components
It is imperative that all above ground components back flow preventers, fire sprinkler heads and pipes be protected from freezing conditions. Here are a few ways to do this:
Insulate: When pipes are exposed to the above conditions seal them with insulation tape or cover them with foam insulation to prevent freezing.
Remove Sprinkler Heads: Possible to take off above ground sprinkler heads and place them within a structure to avoid potential for freezing.
Cover Backflow Preventers: When dealing with backflow preventers, it’s good to have protective covers or insulated bag to cover them from the cold.
5. Check Your System for Repairs
Sprinkler system repair should also be considered during winter because it is a good time to determine if the system needs any fix. Damages that you should be on the lookout will include; broke or damaged heads, leakage amongst others. If you do not solve such issues at the moment, they will cost you more time and money when you want to get the system working in spring.
6. Make an Appointment for a Professional check-up
It is important to note that Stevenson, which is common to the average homeowner, reappears in the summer season; if you are not aware of the process of winterization or you want to guarantee that all should be done as expected, you should seek the service of the professional for the installation of sprinkler system in Vaughan. One can consult a professional to aid in the winterizing of a system since the specialist will be in a position to recommend the best strategies to apply when it is winter and those that one should avoid to prevent further damage that will need the services of a specialist come spring.
7. Document Your Process
Maintenance and repair records on winterization should be noted, with the date of the process and the fixes accomplished. Such documentation can be useful in case of reference in future and when planning the professional services.
Conclusion
It is a daunting task that, when done, will prevent you from incurring repair bills and guarantee the right functioning of your sprinkler systems once spring comes to Vaughan. Some of the things you need to do to prepare your system for the cold months include: shutting off the external water supply, emptying the pipes, blowing out any excess water and protecting the above-ground equipment. While you can attempt to do this on your own or if you preferred to consult the professionals regarding sprinkler system installation Vaughan, either way here are the steps that would help make the transition into spring as smooth as possible to facilitate the growth of your lawn and garden.