Suggestions For When The Weather Turns Cold
Colorado weather can be unpredictable. There is no perfect date to shut down a lawn sprinkler system. For those times when a system is shut down late in the season, or anytime the temperature goes below freezing while the system is charged, I would encourage action be taken to protect the vulnerable components from damage. Generally speaking, but not limited to, that would include the components listed below.
The back flow device (vacuum breaker) and source pipes feeding into and out of it
Any system pipes above ground holding water
Any other system component that may be susceptible to freeze damage
Turn the controller to the off position
Other than proper winterizing, there is no set standard to protect the lawn sprinkler system from freeze damage.
Listed below are a couple of methods that others have used to help protect a charged system in Mildly Freezing Temperatures and are not designed or intended to be an end of season solution. Neither method will provide thorough protection during a hard freeze or sustained freezing temperatures.
Method 1
Turn the controller to off
Close the water source valve feeding the sprinkler system and drain the pipe
Drain the back flow device, manifolds and all exposed pipes
Method 2
Turn the controller to off
Close the water source valve feeding the sprinkler system
Completely and thoroughly cover all components that are susceptible to freeze damage
Note: The above suggestions may or may not be helpful and are only intended to help with mildly freezing temperatures. None of these suggestions are meant to be helpful during a hard freeze or sustained freezing temperatures, including when shutting down a system outside of the normal seasonal range.
For Information On Services Provided Click Here
For Information On Service Fees Click Here
For Information On How To Contact Me Click Here