Step by Step Winterization Process
Your sprinkler system will need to be winterized (blown out) at the end of each season. You do not want to wait to have this done, if the temperature drops below freezing for just one night some system parts can be damaged and will need to be repaired or even replaced. In New Jersey, it is best to have your system blown out no later than the second week of November.
Winterization Instructions:
- Gather your materials.
- Compressor that can deliver 50 PSI consistently with 70 to 100 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
- Fittings needed to connect from the compressor hose to the blow out port
- Wrench
- Turn off the main water supply.
- The valve is usually in the house, close to the water meter
- Go to the controller and turn on zone one to relieve the water pressure in the system.
- Grab the compressor hose and the fittings needed to connect to the blow out port.
- This is usually located near the PVB
- Remove cap or plug at the PVB and connect the compressor hose to the blow out port.
- Go back to the controller and turn on the systems test program.
- This will run each zone for approximately two minutes.
- Which is the perfect amount of time to get all the water out of each zone.
- Turn on the compressor and slowly introduce air into the system.
- You always want to make sure at least one zone is on while doing this.
- You do not want to build up too much air pressure in the system as this can shoot sprinklers right out of the ground.
- You will see the sprinkler heads starting to pop up out of the ground.
- At first there will be a steady stream of water coming out and then it will start to mist.
- Once you see the heads misting or fogging you know that zone is fully winterized.
- Repeat the process in all other zones.
- Once the test program is complete it’s not a bad idea to run through it again just to make sure all water has been removed.
- Turn off the compressor and disconnect the hose from the blow out port.
- Finally make your way back to the controller and turn it to the off position.
- Place the cap or plug that was removed at the PVB and place on top of the controller.
- This way you will know where it is when it comes time to start the system up in the spring.
We recommend that your sprinkler system should be winterized by a professional. If you are still having problems after following instructions on how to winterize your system it may be time to give Adaptive Sprinkler a call.
Please see our service plans and choose the one that will fit your needs.