Secure your irrigation system for winter storage

In order to protect against damage to your irrigation system from freezing water, it is necessary before the  frost period, that the system is unloaded and thus frost-proof. Read here, what the most important steps are to make your irrigation system winterproof. This text is written by Hans-Henning Lentz at our reseller Hermann Meyer

Depending on the climate and weather, the time for wintering will be different. Securing your irrigation system for winter will save you money in the spring, much trouble and time due to the defects that otherwise occur to your components.

The safest method of wintering your system is to blow out the water using compressed air. A commercial compressor is necessary. The greater the performance of the compressor, the easier it is for the emptying to take place.

The following steps are required to follow:

  • Close water supply

    Close the water supply, and turn off the pump.

  • Close the tap

    Close the tap between the irrigation system and the water supply.

  • Empty out water

    With a fixed irrigation installation, open the drain plug of the lead at the pump and also please remove the screws so that the water runs out of the pipe.

  • Connect compressor

    Connect the compressor to your winter connection.

  • Start compressor

    Switch on the valve box and switch on the compressor.

  • Open compressor

    Once the compressor has built up pressure and the boiler has filled, open it.

  • Winter connection

    You then ball cock from the winter connection, to which you have the compressor connected.

  • Open valves

    Now open the valves one by one by hand. It is necessary to repeat this process several times, so that the compressor can build up enough pressure again. Leave the valve open until there is no more water in the pipe respectively the drip line exits.

  • Open last taps

    If you have water cans or taps, open them please and also wait until all the water from the pipe is gone.

  • Turn off compressor

    When the process is complete, turn off the compressor.

  • ¾

    Please put all ball cocks on ¾ position. These are not allowed to be completely closed or still fully open.

  • Solenoid valves

    Also open the solenoid valves by hand. Depending on the model turn the spool or a small lever.

  • Open filters manually

    Should you have components where water is collected and can not drain, such as filter housings, you can empty these manually.

  • Close hoses

    Do not leave any hoses open. Here can dirt or animals and insects invade, which later clogs the system.

  • Turn off controller

    Set your irrigation controller unit to OFF. Let go networked devices, however, must be powered by mains power. The heat generated in the device causes damage due to cold resp. condensate water!

  • Rain sensors

    If you have a rain sensor with catch shells, remove these please.

  • Cork plate sensors

    If you have one sensor with cork plate then please cover so that the cork does not get wet and freeze.

Should you notice defective components during the winter, wait with the exchange or repair to be done in the spring. The repair should also be carried out very carefully.

Defective parts can then be replaced, the system inspected and all rainers and nozzles must be readjusted if necessary.