With the arrival of winter, it’s important to take some extra precautions to protect our homes and property from the cold weather. One particular concern for homeowners in Houston is the potential freezing of irrigation systems. In this blog post, we will discuss the steps you can take to ensure that your irrigation systems remain safe during the upcoming Arctic Blast.
Why is it important to protect your irrigation systems?
Freezing temperatures can cause significant damage to your irrigation systems, particularly the backflow preventers. These preventers are essential in preventing contaminated water from flowing back into the main water supply. When these backflow preventers freeze and break, it can lead to costly repairs and potential health hazards caused by water contamination.
How to prepare your irrigation systems for the winter?
To protect your irrigation systems from the freezing temperatures, follow these steps:
Turn off the water supply:
- Locate the shut-off valves for your irrigation system. In most cases, there will be two valves – one on the main supply line and another on the backflow preventer.
- Shut off both handles to stop the flow of water into the system.
Drain the water:
- Once the water supply is turned off, you need to drain the water from the backflow preventers.
- Turn the little screws on the preventers approximately 45 degrees to release any remaining water.
- This will prevent any water from freezing inside and potentially causing damage.
Wrap and protect:
- After draining the water, it’s important to wrap the backflow preventers with insulation material.
- Insulation sleeves specifically designed for backflow preventers are available in the market. These sleeves help to keep the preventers warm and protected throughout the winter season.
Conclusion:
By following these simple steps, you can ensure that your irrigation systems remain safe and functional throughout the winter. Taking the time to prepare for Houston’s Arctic Blast can save you from costly repairs and potential water contamination. Stay warm and protect your home from the freezing temperatures.