TOP TIPS | Get Your Irrigation System "Winter Ready"

It's that time of year again, the leaves are falling, the days are getting shorter, and there's a chill in the air. Winter is well and truly on it's way, and after a long summer of keeping lawns lush and plants thriving, your irrigation system has earned a well deserved rest. But how do you get your client's irrigation system ready for the cold and wetter months ahead? 

In this blog, we'll walk through the best steps to get your irrigation system "winter ready", with the goal of avoiding any costly damages and ensuring it's ready to spring back to life when the warm weather returns. 

1) Shut off your water supply

Firstly, and before temperatures really start to plummet, make sure you turn off the main water supply that feeds the irrigation system. 

If you have a dedicated shut-off valve for your irrigation system, close it tightly to prevent water from entering the lines. 

2) Drain your irrigation lines

Why is this so important? 

Any water left sitting in the pipework can freeze, expand, and cause cracks or break in the pipes, fittings, and sprinkler heads. 

Here's a few ways to effectively drain your system:

• Main drain: Open the drain(s) at the lowest point(s) in each zone to release any trapped water. 
• Automatic drain: Some systems have built-in valves that drain automatically when pressure drops. Check your system type to see if this applies. 
• Blow-out method: Use an air compressor to blow out any remaining water. This is best carried out by a professional to avoid damaging the system. 

It's worth taking the time here to make sure you've removed as much water as possible. Many manufactures won't cover frost damage under warranty, so a thorough drain is your best line of defence.

3) Shut down and protect tap timers

Tap-based irrigation timers aren't built to handle freezing conditions, so make sure to drain and remove your controller before the cold weather sets in. If water freezes inside, it can easily cause cracks or damage to the internal valve. 

If you're using a smart controller, it's worth checking the manufacturer's winter settings too. 

While you're at it, don't forget to remove your tap splitter. It's a small step that's often overlooked, but frozen water can still cause issues over time. Give it a quick drain and store it somewhere dry until spring. 

4) Tank and pump systems

If your setup includes a tank and pump system, there are a few extra steps to take. 

Start by isolating and draining the top-up system from the mains water supply. Leaving water in the top-up line can lead to freezing and damage, which could cause costly problems come spring.

It's also worth checking that your other components, such as manifolds and solenoids, are protected from the elements. Draining the water from the system (as previously mentioned) is the easiest and most effective way to do this, and can save a lot of repair work later. 

5) Watering during winter

Some clients planting schemes may need occasional watering throughout the winter. If that's the case, water only when it's absolutely necessary, and only when there's no snow cover and temperatures are safely above freezing. Once or twice a month is usually enough during this time of year. 

Timing is key. Unlike in the summer, when we always recommend watering at night, in the winter it's best to water during the warmest time of day. Generally this is at mid-day, which also ensures the moisture has time to soak in before the temperature drops again in the evening. 

It's also a good idea to consider sun and wind exposure. Plants in more exposed areas will dry out faster and may need a little extra water compared to sheltered spots. 

6) Get ahead of the game

Everyone likes to stay one step ahead, so why not take the opportunity to get organised and start installing the bare bones of your irrigation system early?

By installing your clients' systems over winter (when the weather allows!), you'll be ready to hit the ground running when spring arrives. Not only will this give you a head start, but you'll also save yourself time and stress later on. Your future self will thank you!

Hopefully, these tips will help protect your client's irrigation systems from potential issues - not just throughout the winter but also as spring approaches. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to get in touch with one of the team who are always more than happy to help.