Preparing Your Irrigation System for Winter: A Step-by-Step Guide
As the temperatures drop and winter approaches the Charlotte Metropolitan Area, it’s essential to prepare your irrigation system for the cold months ahead. Winterizing your irrigation system is crucial to prevent frozen pipes and costly damage. In this guide, we will walk you through the steps to shut down your irrigation system for the upcoming winter, ensuring it remains in top shape for the next growing season.
Understanding the Importance of Winterizing
Winterizing your irrigation system is necessary because freezing temperatures can cause water in the pipes to expand, leading to burst pipes, damaged valves, and costly repairs. By following these steps, you can prevent these issues and extend the life of your irrigation system.
1. Turn off the water supply!
The first step in winterizing your irrigation system is to turn off the water supply. It is necessary to locate one of the following components of your irrigation system.
- The irrigation water meter box is typically located by the road, along the curb in your lawn. However, older homes built before 2009 will only have one water meter that services the home and the irrigation system. In 2009, North Carolina state drought legislation required all new in-ground irrigation systems to have a separate water meter installed. If your house was built before 2009 you will not be able to shut off the irrigation at the water meter because it also supplies your home. You will need to locate the main shut-off valve.
- The main shut-off valve is usually found within 20 feet of the water meter going into the owner’s yard. There will be a tee in the main water line that houses a shut-off ball valve made of PVC, Brass, or Stainless steel. This value can be buried below the ground without an irrigation valve box installed over it. If you’re fortunate the irrigation contractor will have placed a valve box over the main shut-off valve, although, in my two decades of experience, I’ve encountered this situation only once. The Charlotte Metropolitan Area is known for poor irrigation installations due to a lack of oversight, unregulated industry, and poor craftmanship in the early 2000’s. Unfortunately, this tread has continued from the 2000’s into 2023 for the same exact reasons listed above.
- The irrigation backflow device is commonly found in Mecklenburg County, NC and Union County, NC, for residential properties with irrigation, and is usually located on the side of a house. It is often concealed within a polyethylene box that’s tan or green. Also, it may be situated below ground level inside an irrigation valve box, typically ranging in size from 15 to 19 inches. Once you uncover the box and closely inspect the backflow device, you’ll notice directional arrows that indicate the path of water flow in and out of the backflow device.
After identifying the direction of water flow, you can simply turn the shut-off valve on the side of the main water line on the backflow device. This will effectively stop the flow of water from the meter into the backflow device and then into the irrigation system. All new home constructed in the Charlotte Metropolitan Area from 2009 forward will have two water meters and one backflow device for residential homes that utilize an irrigation system.
2. Drain the System
Once you’ve turned off the water supply, it’s essential to drain any remaining water from the system. To do this, open the drain valves or low points in the system. These are typically located at the lowest points in your irrigation lines. You can use a compressor to blow out the remaining water or let gravity do the work. Be sure to remove any water from backflow preventers, valves, and pipes.
3. Insulate Above-Ground Pipes
If you have any above-ground pipes, it’s important to insulate them to protect them from freezing. You can use pipe insulation, heat tape, or foam pipe sleeves to keep the pipes warm. Pay special attention to any exposed pipes or those located in unheated areas.
4. Protect Backflow Preventers
Backflow preventers are sensitive components of your irrigation system that can easily be damaged by freezing temperatures. To protect them, wrap them in insulation or use insulated covers designed for this purpose. This will help prevent any damage and ensure they function correctly in the spring.
5. Check and Clean Filters
Before storing your irrigation system for the winter, it’s a good idea to check and clean any filters. Dirty filters can reduce the efficiency of your system. Clean or replace them as needed, ensuring they are in optimal condition for the next growing season.
6. Schedule a Professional Inspection
If you’re not confident in your ability to winterize your irrigation system, consider scheduling a professional inspection and winterization service. A trained technician can ensure that your system is properly prepared for winter and identify any potential issues that need addressing.
7. Consider Adding a Freeze Sensor
For added protection, consider installing a freeze sensor in your irrigation system. These sensors can automatically shut off your system if temperatures drop to a critical level, preventing damage to your pipes and components.
Winterizing your irrigation system is a crucial step in protecting your investment and ensuring it functions properly when spring arrives in the metropolitan area of Charlotte, NC. By following these steps, you can prevent costly damage and extend the life of your system. Whether you choose to do it yourself or hire a professional, taking the time to prepare your irrigation system for winter is a wise decision that will pay off in the long run. So, get ready for a cozy winter, knowing your irrigation system is safe and secure until it’s time to bring your garden back to life in the spring.
