How do I know if my sprinklers are self draining?

Depending on the type of drain valve your system utilizes, draining could be truly automatic, or it could be manual, requiring that you pull a few levers to get things moving. One way to tell if your system is manual-draining is if your sprinkler heads have check valves on them.

Where is sprinkler drain valve?

The inspectors test drain, or test and drain valve, is traditionally located at the end of the sprinkler system. This drain helps facilitate flow testing and is typically used in multi-story buildings.

What is self draining valve?

A drain-down or self-draining valve will, on closure of the tap or shower, empty some of its water volume from the tap or shower outlet. In doing so air, which could be contaminated, is drawn into the outlet from the local environment and has the potential to colonise the outlet with harmful bacteria.

Do you need a drain valve on sprinkler system?

All sprinkler systems should include an automatic drain valve in order to avoid damage to the pipes and other system components. Without one, water will be trapped in the pipes, which will beak when the water freezes. Having an automatic drain valve will also keep water from sitting in the pipes.

What is a sprinkler main drain test?

The main drain test serves as a tool in evaluating the condition of the water supply to a fire sprinkler system. It is intended to reveal any deterioration of the water supply by comparing the test results to those of previous test results.

Sprinkler System Automatic Drains - But Why?

Can you run sprinklers with water off?

Turning on the sprinklers after the main water feed has been shut off will not adequately drain you lines before freeze weather. In rare instances some sprinkler system installations may have been setup with slope on the distribution lines out to the very tail end of each line.

How long does it take to drain a sprinkler system?

Typically each zone takes about two to three minutes to blow out. Time should also be allowed for the contractor to set up and take down. As an example, if you have a five-zone irrigation system, you can expect the total time – including setup and takedown – to take around 20 – 25 minutes.

How do I winterize my sprinkler system without a blowout?

Not all systems need to have the water blown out of them. You can winterize a sprinkler system without an air compressor if all of your irrigation lines are buried at a slight downhill slope. Simply shut off the main water supply to your system and open the drain valves at the end of each zone.

Where do auto drain valves go?

Automatic drain valves are installed at the lowest point of each sprinkler zone.

What is an auto drain?

Automatic Drain:

An Automatic drain is a 2/2 valve which closes when the system is pressurised. The Drain opens when liquid accumulates and causes the float to rise, and on depressurisation.

What is sprinkler drain valve?

Plastic Automatic Drain Valves prevent damage to irrigation system due to freezing by automatically draining the sprinkler lines when the water is turned off. Automatic Drain Valves are installed at the lowest point of each sprinkler zone.

How do you perform a sprinkler flow test?

How often should a main drain flow test be conducted?

The employer shall assure that a main drain flow test is performed on each system annually. The inspector's test valve shall be opened at least every two years to assure that the sprinkler system operates properly.

How often should a main drain test be conducted on a wet pipe sprinkler system?

Protection Systems, published by the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), requires that the main drain of an automatic sprinkler system should be tested at least annually and more often for special conditions as noted in Table 13.1. 1.2 of NFPA 25.

What are the three types of main sprinkler valves?

There are three basic types of valves used in irrigation systems – gate valves, ball valves, and electric valves.

What temperature do underground sprinklers freeze?

While you may be eager to get your lawn back to its pristine green state, it is important to remember that temperatures at and below 32 degrees Fahrenheit put your sprinkler system at risk of freezing.

What temperature should I winterize my sprinkler system?

For a carefree fall and winter, and an all-systems go-spring and summer, make sure you drain the system before temperatures dip to 30 degrees Fahrenheit.