How to winterize your irrigation system to protect it from freezing.

Are you looking for a backyard sprinkler system in Brampton? Probably not right now, what with the chill of winter arriving in Canada soon.

But spring will be here soon enough. So, if you want to prepare your backyard or front lawn for the spring, one of the most important tasks you need to do is install a sprinkler system. Indeed, one of the most important ways to have a healthy lawn is via an irrigation system.

In this post, you will find out why winter is a good time for sprinkler system installation and how to make your existing sprinkler system winter-ready.

5 Reasons to Install Your Sprinkler System During Winter

You are probably thinking that winter is entirely off the table when it comes to planning anything related to irrigation or sprinkler systems. However, that is not altogether right. You can install a sprinkler system right now, for these reasons.

1. When warmer weather arrives, you will have better results with the sprinkler system. Depending on the weather and soil sensors, a smart irrigation system can easily determine when to water. So, if you install one now, you will be prepared beforehand with a well-maintained and watered lawn.
2. After a long gap without maintenance, soil can become infertile. Then it takes a lot of time, effort, and money to get it back to health. But if you install a sprinkler system in winter, it will efficiently dispense water to save you money.
3. The recovery rate for the trenched areas will be faster. But if you wait until spring to install a new sprinkler system, those areas may take until summer to recover.
4. Spring and summer are the peak seasons for irrigation service providers, so you may have to wait for service. If you don’t want to waste time, winter is the right time to install your sprinkler system.
5. With a smart irrigation system set up before spring arrives, you will be able to enjoy your greener lawn very soon.

After reading about the benefits, those who already have an existing sprinkler system or are planning to buy one will likely think about how to maintain it during freezing winter. Green Valley has a solution for that as well.

3 Ways to Get Your Sprinkler System Ready for Winter

Homeowners have concerns about winter installations because of the possibility of frozen pipes. That is why Green Valley Irrigation’s experts always recommend winterizing your irrigation system. The following is a list of precautions you can take to protect your sprinkler system and ensure it works properly again in spring.

1. Switch off the main water and timer to your sprinkler system
   First, shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. This is likely near your water meter. If you have a backflow preventer, shut it off as well. If you have any questions about this step, contact your Green Valley Irrigation system expert immediately .If you have an automatic system in your house, shut off the timer using the ‘off’ or ‘rain mode’ setting. This will shut down the signal to the system and ensure that the shut-off valve won’t freeze from excess water remaining within.If your controller activates a pump, you can detach the wires connected to the common area as an extra precaution. This will prevent the pump’s accidental activation, which might cause overheating.
2. Drain your irrigation system
   It’s not enough to just turn off the main water flow because trapped water can easily damage the system. Your next step is to drain your irrigation system by emptying as much water as possible from it. Otherwise, it can cause a massive mess once the temperature warms up.
   There are mainly three draining methods: manual, automatic, and blow-out draining
   1. In the manual draining process, there are shut-off valves at the end of the piping. If you are doing it on your own, one by one, slowly open the valves to release the water. If you have check valves, then you need to drain them as well. Then raise the sprinkler heads to drain more water. Finally, close all of the valves when done.
   2. The water will drain out after the main valve is shut off in the automatic draining system, and the water pressure decreases. You can open one of the sprinkler heads to release some pressure and clean the pipes. Be careful to empty the water from inside the check valves. There you will find a plastic cap called a solenoid with wire sprouting from each valve. You need to loosen the cap to increase the airflow. This will help to let more water out.
   3. Finally, in blow-out draining, the professionals use an air compressor attached to your system to force the remaining water through the pipes and out of the sprinkler heads.
3. Add insulation to above ground sprinkler system parts
    To save your sprinkler system from frigid temperatures, insulate the irrigation system components exposed to cold weather with insulation tape and foam covers. You need to wrap the main shut-off, any exposed pipes, and backflow preventers. But remember not to block the air vents or drain outlets. You can use pine straw to cover the system for additional warmth.

There are several ways to take care of your backyard lawn and irrigation system. If you have already started searching online for “commercial irrigation contractors near me,” contact Green Valley Irrigation. We have been providing high-quality irrigation service for many years, and we specialize in installing lawn sprinkler systems in both residential and commercial spaces. Contact our experts to discuss pricing, options, and scheduling your installation.