Once the leaves begin transforming hues and dropping it can be time for you to begin considering freeze proofing your property irrigation system. Although the easiest technique would be to simply pay a plumber or backflow expert to clear out the pipes, it is truly not that hard of a undertaking for you to accomplish alone and doing this can help you learn how your own home sprinkler device operates. Actually it is so easy we whittled it down to six easy techniques:

1. Close off the primary h2o source to the irrigation components. In the event you do not know exactly where it is consider looking near the backflow protection equipment or in any cover or valve box in which pipes are nested. In places where it will get below zero enough for pipes to become frozen chances are you'll want to inspect the valve for slow leaks. I have witnessed numerous occasions where a primary irrigation water valve is shut off permanently, but simply because it acquired a slow leak it let water trickle through over time, in the end causing frost deterioration in the pipes.

2. Close off the primary sprinkler control box or set it into "Rain Mode." I usually just shut mine off or disconnect it. Rain Mode is great given that it keeps all of the settings in order, nevertheless it also uses electricity, which is a waste in my opinion.

3. (Maybe) remove h2o from underground piping. This one is usually a maybe mainly because in most temperate regions the sod does not freeze at all or if it does it's not deep enough of a freeze effect the h2o pipes. As a common rule of thumb if the ground will not freeze wherever you are living, you'll be able to skip this phase.

4. Now it's time for you to take a little walk round your property and find each of the irrigation nozzles and remove them to get out any irrigation water in them. These units can freeze very easily, so this phase is very important. If the pipes freeze the irrigation rotors are easily broken. Once drained and shaken out you may replace the heads or throw them in the house for next spring.

5. As you're waltzing around your yard open and drain any inline irrigation valves to purge any water from your piping to avoid freeze damage.

6. Get some pipe insulation tubes or tape and completely wrap any irrigation pipes which are uncovered above the soil. This can be an important action given that all the things situated above ground is exposed to the wind and easy pickings for Jack Frost when he's searching for items to nip at. Wind is very good at stealing heat energy from things. Adding insulating the piping will help keep the cold wind away!

7. Last but not least you would want to turn your focus to the backflow protection equipment. In super chilly climates the status quo would be to simply take it apart and store it in the house until Warmer weather. Although in warmer climates it is considerably less difficult to insulate it with some kind of cover or enclosure or using a backflow insulation pouch. In fact numerous folks go with an insulation pouch, and then a rigid shell enclosure as being a double whammy of security. What ever you determine, never simply leave the backflow equipment out in the yard. Freeze damage is feasible, and thieves may grab it up to pawn in the copper for beer money!

So there you've got it! Seven short techniques to freeze proofing your sprinkler unit. Simply take it slow, and ensure you have all of your tasks covered. Always check in the individual manufacture directions in addition, in case there are unit distinct techniques that need to also be used.