How do you bleed a sprinkler system for the winter?

Bleed your sprinkler system to avoid any potential problems. Bleeding, or "winterizing" your home's sprinkler system is one way to protect your sprinkler system from freezing during winter. An easy way to do this is by draining the pipes and then blowing it out to dry with an air compressor.

How do I purge my sprinkler system for winter?

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.

How do I prepare my sprinkler system to freeze?

Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. The main shut off valve for your irrigation system needs to be protected against freezing. Make sure it is wrapped with insulation (foam insulation tape and a plastic bag) to protect it from harsh winter temperatures and prevent it from freezing.

What happens if I don't winterize my sprinkler system?

If you forget to winterize your sprinklers, you run the risk that water will freeze in the irrigation valves, pipes and sprinkler heads. When water freezes, it expands causing the parts of your system to burst and destroying your sprinkler system.

How to Winterize a Sprinkler System - Blow Out Method

How cold does it have to be for a sprinkler pipe to 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.

How much psi do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?

Recommended Air Compressors For Winterizing Sprinklers

Either way, the compressor ratings we recommend to start at are 20+ CFM at 50 PSI and can consistently hold those values for at least 5 minutes at a time during use. Whether this is a gas, electric, stationary, or portable compressor is up to you to decide.

How do you bleed a solenoid?

Why would a sprinkler zone not work?

If just one zone isn't working, the problem is usually an electrical issue or a defective controller or solenoid. To check the controller: Ensure the zone wires are firmly attached to the controller terminals, the transformer is plugged in, and the circuit breaker in the main panel is on.

Should I run my sprinklers before a freeze?

It is best to turn on your system during the warmest time of the day when anticipating freezing conditions. Be sure the outside temperature is 37 degrees or above when you run your system. You ABSOLUTELY do not want to run your sprinkler system during a hard freeze as this will cause damage to your irrigation system.

What size air compressor do I need to winterize sprinkler system?

You need a compressor that has either enough volume or large enough motor to fill your system with pressurized air. A compressor size of 4-6 gallons should be enough.

Should you run sprinklers in winter?

Should I Turn Off My Sprinklers in Winter in California? In many cases, yes you should. As long as there is at least an inch and a half of rain per winter month, you don't need to supplement it with your sprinklers.

Do frozen pipes always burst?

Frozen pipes do not always burst, if the expanding ice can push water out through an open faucet. However, pipes freeze quite quickly, so the time between freezing and bursting can be very short.

Should I drain my pipes to keep them from freezing?

When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.

Is it too late to winterize sprinkler system?

The air temperature may be freezing but we don't usually freeze down deep in the ground until after Christmas. Get your system winterized, it's not too late.

When should I blowout my sprinklers?

Water left in your sprinkler system will freeze over the winter, and as the water expands into ice it can damage your system components. Our sprinkler system blowout in the fall is the best way to avoid this damage and prepare your system for a smooth start-up in the spring.

How do you fix a frozen sprinkler system?

How long does it take pipes to freeze at 32 degrees?

Pipes can freeze in as little as six to eight hours, meaning they can freeze overnight. If the outside temperature is below 32 degrees F and your pipes are unprotected, your chances for a frozen pipe increase.

Why is my sprinkler system stuck on one zone?

If your sprinkler system isn't working in all zones, chances are the problem is localized to the one or two zones that aren't working. Each zone has its own valve, so that's a good place to look. Head out to each valve and see if it is opened fully, broken, rusted, or stuck. Turn valves to the left to open them more.

Where is my sprinkler zone valve?