Fall Maintenance Guide: Protecting Your Irrigation System Before Winter

As the leaves begin to change and temperatures drop, it’s time to prepare your irrigation system for the colder months ahead. Proper fall maintenance is crucial to prevent costly damage and ensure your system is ready to go when spring arrives. At Maxum Irrigation & Plumbing, we’ve compiled this comprehensive guide to help you protect your investment and maintain a healthy landscape.

Winterizing your irrigation system is essential to prevent freezing water from damaging pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. As a trusted plumber in Putnam, CT, we’ve seen firsthand the expensive repairs that can result from neglecting this important task. By following these steps, you can save money and avoid headaches come springtime.

1. Drain the System

The most critical step in winterizing your irrigation system is removing all water from the pipes and components. There are three main methods to accomplish this:

• Manual drain valve method: Open all manual drain valves and allow water to drain completely.
• Automatic drain valve method: Run each zone briefly to activate the automatic drain valves.
• Compressed air blow-out method: Use compressed air to force water out of the system (best done by professionals).

As your local plumber in Putnam, CT, Maxum Irrigation & Plumbing recommends the blow-out method for most systems to ensure thorough drainage.

2. Inspect and Clean Components

Before shutting down your system for winter:

• Check for and repair any leaks or damaged sprinkler heads.
• Clean out any debris from sprinkler heads and nozzles.
• Flush the system to remove any dirt or sediment.

3. Insulate Exposed Parts

Protect above-ground components from freezing:

Wrap exposed pipes and backflow preventers with foam insulation.

Consider using insulation bags designed for backflow preventers.

4. Adjust Controller Settings

Proper controller management is crucial:

• For most systems, turn off the controller or switch to “rain mode”.
• If your system has a “winterize” setting, activate it.
• Remove batteries from battery-operated timers to prevent corrosion.

5. Schedule Professional Maintenance

While some homeowners feel comfortable winterizing their own systems, many prefer to leave it to the experts. As experienced plumbers in Putnam, CT, Maxum Irrigation & Plumbing offers comprehensive winterization services to ensure your system is properly protected.

While focusing on your irrigation system, don’t forget these important fall lawn care tasks:

• Continue watering when temperatures are above 40°F to keep roots hydrated.
• Adjust watering schedules to account for cooler temperatures and reduced evaporation.
• Clean gutters to prevent water damage to your home and landscape.

By following these fall maintenance steps, you’ll set yourself up for a smooth transition when it’s time to reactivate your system in spring. Remember to schedule a spring start-up inspection with your trusted plumber in Putnam, CT, to catch any issues early and ensure optimal performance for the growing season.

At Maxum Irrigation & Plumbing, we’re committed to helping you maintain a beautiful, healthy landscape year-round. Our team of experienced professionals is always ready to assist with your irrigation and plumbing needs. Don’t let winter catch you unprepared – contact us today to schedule your fall irrigation maintenance service.