Cold weather and Lawn sprinklers: tips to avoid freezing.

[setterguy]

With some cold weather already this month I thought I would post a few tips for keeping yor sprinkler system from freezing if it hasn't been winterized.

1.) Turn off the water downstairs that feeds the system.

2.) Open drain out side, typically below the backflow preventer, either a spigot or a plug.

3.) Open the lowest zone in your yard manually by the controller. This will drain any/most water from your pipe going into the ground.

4.) Open drain downstairs, should be located afer shut-off. Make sure to close drain before system is blown out or you could end up with a bunch of Carbon Monoxide in your basement as the air from a compressor is not very good for you.

5.) Wrap backflow and any exposed pipes in a blanket or towel.

These should keep you in business and not have you ending up with a cracked valve. Always have your system winterized, there is still water in manifolds and valves in the ground that can casue major damage if left over the winter. Good luck.

[New Yankee]

Thanks Setterguy - my sprinkler man hasn't reached our neighborhood yet, so will follow you directions.