Fall in Alberta has the unpredictability that keeps us on our toes — one day it’s sunny and warm, and the next, you’re bundling up in a fleece jacket!
Just as we bundle up and prepare our homes for colder months, your irrigation system needs care too. At Naiad Irrigation Systems, we are here to provide a quick guide on why winterizing is necessary, the signs to watch for, and why it’s beneficial to make sure it’s done right by our professionals.
Signs It’s Time to Winterize
Winterizing your irrigation system early prevents frozen pipes, burst sprinklers, and potential costly repairs. But how do you know it’s time? Here are a few key signs:
- Dropping Temperatures – Once the nightly temperatures start approaching freezing, it’s time to consider winterizing.
- Frost in the Early Mornings – If you start seeing frost, this means freezing temperatures are near, and your system is vulnerable.
- Leaf Changes and Ground Freezing – When trees start shedding and the ground starts to harden, your irrigation system should already be winterized.
Why Turning Off the Water Isn’t Enough
It might seem easy to turn off the water and call it a day, but unfortunately, that’s not enough to protect your system from freezing. Residual water left inside pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads can freeze and expand, which can crack pipes and damage components. Winterization of your irrigation system involves draining all water from the system to ensure nothing is left behind to cause issues when temperatures plummet.
Manual vs. Automatic Winterization
Two approaches to winterizing an irrigation system are manual draining and automatic draining.
- Manual Method – With this method, valves are manually opened to let the water drain out. This approach requires a little more hands-on work, but it can be effective for smaller systems.
- Automatic Method – In this case, automatic drain valves are installed in the system. They open when the system is turned off, allowing the water to drain out automatically. However, even with automatic systems, the blowout method is often recommended to ensure all water is thoroughly cleared.
Irrigation Winterization and the Blowout Method
To prepare the irrigation system for the winter, we use compressed air to blow water out of the irrigation components, this is why this process is commonly known as a “Fall Blowout”. By thoroughly clearing the system, the Fall blowout method ensures no water is left behind, preventing freezing and protecting your system from costly winter damage.
Pro Tip: Blowouts should always be done by a professional with the proper equipment. Not only will this save time, but it can greatly reduce the potential damage to the system during the winterization process.
Don’t Wait Until the Last Minute
Waiting until the temperature hits below zero is not recommended, as this can be enough for considerable amounts of ice to form inside your irrigation system. Calling ‘quits’ on the summer season can be sad, but paying later to repair your system because the winterization was not done on time does not make it any better. Protect your investment and schedule a winterization service in time.
Winter-Proof Your Irrigation System Now!
Winterizing your irrigation system is no small task, especially if you want thorough, worry-free protection. That’s where our professionals at Naiad come in.
As the season changes, don’t wait until it’s too late to winterize your irrigation system. A blowout done right can save you from headaches and costly repairs when spring arrives. By winterizing your irrigation system, you’re not just avoiding repairs; you’re also making sure it is ready for a smooth start in spring. Book a service or call us today @ 587-205-5768.
Book a service or call us today @ 587-200-3994. We provide top-notch services from Irrigation Association-certified professionals.
