Cooling temperatures are slowly making their way into the Houston area, and we want to ensure that all homeowners are aware of the importance of freeze protection for their sprinkler systems. As temperatures drop, freezing water can cause significant damage to your backflow preventer. When water becomes trapped in the backflow and it freezes, it expands, which can cause the backflow to bust. This results in costly repairs and damage to your system. It’s far more expensive to repair a busted backflow than to take preventive measures before freezing temperatures arrive.
There are two effective ways to protect your sprinkler system from freezing temperatures: Winterization and the installation of a Wilkins Freeze Relief Valve.
Winterization
Winterization is for those who want to completely shut their sprinkler system down for the winter. We typically don’t recommend winterization as Houston experiences more of a dry winter. However, it is an option that will allow you to protect your sprinkler system during the winter. Winterization includes actively turning your system off and ensuring that all the water from your backflow is drained out.
Here are some steps to winterize the sprinkler system:
- Turn off water supply: Locate the isolation valve of your irrigation system and turn it off. You can usually find the isolation valve in a green box near the water meter. In addition, the isolation valve could also be located around the backflow.
- Remove Backflow Parts: Inside the backflow, you’ll find the bonnet/poppet, retainer, spring, and check valve. Remove these parts to allow proper drainage.
- Syphon water: After taking out the parts, use a ½” or ½” flex line to completely siphon all the water out of the backflow.
- Test cocks & handles: After ensuring all water is out of the backflow, reinstall all the parts and turn the test cocks and handles to a 45-degree angle.
Installation of a Wilkins Freeze Relief Valve
The Wilkins Freeze Relief Valve is a trusted device that actively prevents damage to your backflow under freezing temperatures. The device allows you to run your system even during the winter, and it can be left on year-round. The freeze relief valve actively senses water temperature and opens at 35 degrees Fahrenheit. It allows the slow release of almost freezing water from the backflow, while actively drawing warmer water through the valve. The valve works best with an insulated backflow bag; the bag fits over the backflow and provides extra protection. Double-stitched seams on the bag are sewn to be very durable, making them difficult to rip.
Note, the Wilkins Freeze Relief Valve is only compatible with a Wilkins Backflow.
The Importance of Watering Your Lawn before a Freeze
Before it freezes, it’s important to water your lawn, Here’s why:
- Drought-stressed plants are vulnerable to cold damage.
- Creates a slightly warmer environment for roots to grow.
- The soil can absorb the moisture fully.
It’s important to ensure that your system is properly protected for the cooler weather. Call now to schedule the installation of a freeze relief valve or for a winterization service. 281-494-3700.