How to Shut Down Your Irrigation System in Calgary
Guide to Winterizing Your Irrigation for Calgary Homeowners
Calgary’s winter can be a chilly experience, and if you have an irrigation system, then knowing how to shut it down is important. Part of the process to winterize your home, purging any water in your irrigation system is critical to avoiding damage over the colder seasons of the year.
We explore a few helpful tips on how to shut down your irrigation system for Calgary homeowners below.
Why Should You Shut Down Your Irrigation System?
Properly shutting down irrigation systems for winter is crucial for Calgary homeowners due to the cold climate. Consider the following reasons why you’ll want to take due care of your irrigation before winter is here:
Prevent Pipe Damage: Water left in irrigation pipes can freeze, expand, and cause pipes to crack or burst. Proper shutdown prevents costly repairs.
Protect Sprinkler Heads: Freezing temperatures can damage sprinkler heads and other components. Draining the system ensures these parts are not compromised.
Avoid System Malfunctions: Water left in valves and pump systems can sometimes lead to malfunctioning when you restart in the spring. Clearing the system helps maintain functionality.
Ensure Efficient Spring Start-Up: A well-maintained and properly shut down irrigation system will be easier and more efficient to restart in the spring, ensuring optimal irrigation from the start.
Save on Repairs: Addressing winter damage can be expensive. Proper winterization minimizes the risk of needing extensive repairs or replacements.
Reduce Water Waste: Any leaks or damage caused by winter freezing left unaddressed can lead to water waste when the system is back in use.
Peace of Mind: Knowing your system is protected allows you to focus on other winter maintenance needs without worrying about unexpected irrigation issues.
As you can see above, winterizing your home and irrigation is a key step to avoiding many potential headaches for homeowners with such systems installed on their property.
Steps to Winterizing Your Irrigation System in Calgary
So then, how exactly can you avoid all these issues above? Here is a step-by-step guide for homeowners to properly winterizing your irrigation system before the cold:
1. Turn Off the Water Supply
Locate the main water valve to your irrigation system and turn it off to prevent water from flowing through the pipes.
2. Shut Down the System Controller
Turn off the irrigation controller or set it to a "rain" or "off" mode. This will prevent the system from running during the winter months.
3. Drain the System
Manual Drain Valve Method: Open all manual drain valves and allow the water to completely empty from the pipes.
Automatic Drain Valve Method: If your system has automatic drain valves, activate a short run cycle to relieve pressure and allow the valves to open and drain.
Blow-Out Method: Use an air compressor to blow out any remaining water in the system. It's advisable to hire a professional for this step to avoid damage due to incorrect pressure settings.
4. Insulate Above-Ground Components
Cover above-ground pipes, backflow preventers, and other outdoor components with insulation material, such as foam covers or insulating tape, to protect them from freezing conditions.
5. Check & Clean Sprinkler Heads
Inspect spray nozzles and sprinkler heads for dirt and debris. Clean them to ensure they’re in optimal condition for spring.
6. Remove and Store Pumps (if applicable)
For systems with pumps, remove and store them indoors to prevent freezing and damage.
7. Document Any Repairs Needed
While shutting down, note any components that appear worn or faulty. Plan to repair or replace them before restarting the system in the spring.
Performing these steps above will help ensure that your irrigation system is protected throughout the winter and ready to function when spring weather returns.
Irrigation Systems in Calgary: 5 Common Questions & Answers
How often should an irrigation system be inspected or maintained in Calgary?
It’s recommended to inspect your irrigation system at least twice a year—once at the start of the spring to ensure it’s ready for the summer season, and once in the fall to properly shut it down for winter. Regular monthly checks during the irrigation season can help identify any issues early.
What is the best time to water lawns and gardens with my irrigation system in Calgary?
The best time to water is early in the morning (between 5 a.m. and 10 a.m.). This reduces water loss due to evaporation from the hot sun and ensures your lawn and plants absorb maximum moisture. Try to avoid watering your lawn in the evening to prevent potential fungal growth.
How can I tell if my irrigation system has a leak?
Signs of a leak include unusually expensive water bills, areas of your lawn that are consistently soggier than others, low water pressure, or visible water pooling around sprinkler heads. Regularly inspecting your system can help detect leaks early.
Is it necessary to adjust my irrigation system settings throughout the season?
Yes, adjustments are necessary to account for changing weather conditions. Typically, you should water your lawn more in the hot summer and reduce watering in the cooler spring and fall. Installing a rain sensor or weather-based controller can automate these adjustments. Obviously, you’ll want to shut down your irrigation system altogether before the winter arrives to prevent damage.
What precautions should be taken with an irrigation system during drought conditions?
During droughts, it’s crucial to adhere to any local water restrictions. Prioritize watering essential plants and adjust your system to provide deep, infrequent watering, which encourages deeper root growth. Consider upgrading to high-efficiency nozzles and drip irrigation to conserve water. Calgary just had a spout of water restrictions, so it’s important to be familiar with your irrigational system, how it works, and its current settings.
Questions about Irrigation Systems in Calgary
If you have any questions about irrigation systems or would like to know more about inspecting a current apparatus or installing a new one, please don’t hesitate to call our team of professional landscapers anytime!
At Calgary Dreamscapes, we have over a decade of repairing existing systems and installing new ones, and have the knowledge and expertise to make your next irrigational project a huge success! Call us anytime at 403-471-7588 or email us direct at richie@calgarydreamscapes.ca and we will be happy to assist you!