Don’t Let Your Pipes Burst: The Ultimate Guide to Sprinkler Winterization in Toronto

Winter in Toronto brings many challenges, and one of the most essential tasks for property holders is preparing their sprinkler systems for the chilly months. Failure to winterize your sprinkler system can lead to costly repairs from burst pipes and damaged components.

Here, we discuss how to prevent it.

Understanding the Procedure

It is essential to understand why it’s necessary to winterize your sprinkler system. Toronto’s cold winters pose a considerable risk to sprinkler systems, as water left in the pipes can freeze and expand, causing pipes to burst and components to break.

By properly winterizing your sprinkler system, you can prevent these issues and avoid costly repairs come springtime.

Shut Off the Water Supply

The first step is shutting off the water. Locate the main shut-off valve for your sprinkler system and turn it off to stop the flow of water to the pipes. This will prevent water from entering the system and freezing during the cold winter months. It is important to ensure there is no slow drip, as water accumulation over time can still cause major damages to the system.

Drain the System

Once the water supply is off, the goal is to drain the remaining water from the system. Begin by opening all the drain valves on your sprinkler system to allow water to flow out.

Then, activate each zone on your sprinkler controller to ensure any water trapped in the pipes is expelled. Make sure to open any manual drain valves to empty the system of water.

Blow out the Pipes

After draining the system, the next step is to blow out any remaining water from the pipes using compressed air. This step is crucial for ensuring that water is removed from the system to prevent freezing. Attach an air compressor to the system’s blowout port and gradually increase the pressure to push out excess water.

Work through each zone of the sprinkler system until no water emerges. It is important to use a compressor that has enough CFM for your system. Without enough CFM, water will remain in the system and still pose a risk.

Protect Uncovered Pipes and Components

Even after blowing out the pipes, it’s crucial to protect your sprinkler system from freezing temperatures. Insulate any exposed pipes and components with foam insulation or insulated tape to provide an additional layer of protection against the cold.

Consider above-ground pipes and backflow preventers, as these are particularly vulnerable to freezing.

Schedule Expert Maintenance

While many handy homeowners can handle winterization tasks themselves, it’s wise to schedule professional maintenance for your sprinkler system before the cold winter months set in. A qualified professional can inspect your system for any potential issues and make any necessary repairs.