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How to properly prepare irrigation system for winter
Step-by-step instruction for conservation and equipment storage during winter period. Extend irrigation system service life for years.
Time: 1.5 hours
Difficulty: Easy
When: October-November
Why is this critically important?
Water remaining in irrigation system freezes at 0°C and expands 9%. This leads to:
- Drip tape rupture - most common failure cause
- Cracks in fittings and connectors
- Filter and timer housing destruction
- Hose and seal deformation
Proper conservation extends equipment service life 2-3 times!
What you'll need
Tools:
- Compressor or car pump
- Screwdriver (for timers)
- Adjustable wrench
- Bucket for water
- Cloth for cleaning
Materials:
- Storage boxes or containers
- Bags for tape
- Labels or marker for marking
- Dry warm room (garage, storage, shed)
Step-by-step instruction
1
Drain all water from system
Close inlet water faucet. Disconnect timer or open all taps on distribution manifold. Remove caps from drip tape and main hose ends - water should completely drain. For complete water removal connect compressor to system inlet and blow with air (pressure 0.5-1 bar) for 5-10 minutes.
Tip: If no compressor - raise hoses and tape vertically, shake them - gravity helps drain most water.
2
Dismantle drip tape
Disconnect drip tape from start connectors on main hose. Carefully remove tape from beds, wind on hand or stake. Shake off soil and dirt residue. Lay tape in sun for 2-3 hours for complete drying. After drying roll into rolls 30-40 cm diameter - tape won't deform. For each roll write length on paper label.
Life hack: Sort tape by emitter spacing and thickness. In spring this saves much time restoring system.
3
Remove and clean filters and timers
Unscrew filters from inlet faucets. Disassemble filter housing, remove filter mesh or cartridge. Wash under running water from sediment, rust and deposits. Mandatory dry all parts - moisture residue leads to corrosion. Remove electronic irrigation timers. Open battery compartment and remove batteries (even new ones - they may leak). Check rubber gaskets - if cracked or hardened - replace with new ones in spring.
Important: Mechanical timers also better remove - frost can damage plastic gears and mechanism springs.
4
Clean and dry main hoses
Pour clean water into main hose and flush under pressure - removes salt deposits, rust and sediment. For heavily contaminated hoses can use weak citric acid solution (1 tbsp per 10 l water). After flushing completely drain water and blow with compressor. Lay hoses in sun for final drying for 4-6 hours. Roll dried hoses into rings 50-70 cm diameter without sharp bends and kinks - preserves material elasticity.
5
Collect and sort fittings and small parts
Collect all system small parts: start connectors, couplers, repair couplings, caps, valves, pressure reducers. Wash each element from dirt and sand. Check serviceability - if valve doesn't hold water or connector cracked - set aside separately for replacement. Sort parts by type into separate bags or box compartments. Label each bag: "Start connectors - 20 pcs", "Caps - 15 pcs" etc. This speeds spring search and helps compile necessary purchase list.
Tip: Use transparent plastic containers with compartments (for fishing tackle or screws) - immediately see what's inside.
6
Organize proper storage location
Find dry heated or at least non-freezing room (+5°C minimum). Ideal: heated garage, house storage, warm veranda, insulated shed. Place tape and hose rolls vertically on shelves or horizontally on floor (don't hang - may deform under own weight). Put fittings boxes on top shelf. Wrap filters and timers in paper or fabric from dust. Avoid places with: direct sunlight (UV destroys plastic), high humidity (metal corrosion), temperature fluctuations (condensation inside equipment).
Important: DO NOT store equipment in unheated sheds or outdoors under film - even brief freezing can damage plastic.
Additional tips for maximum service life
- Perform conservation before first frost (end October - early November) - don't wait until water freezes in system
- Photograph connection scheme before dismantling - in spring easily remember how everything connected
- Make damaged parts list immediately - in spring buy everything needed at once
- Every 2-3 months check storage location for moisture, rodents or dust absence
- Spring (March-April) check entire system before launch - replace worn parts and gaskets
Spring launch checklist
What to check before launching system in spring:
- Inspect drip tape for mechanical damage
- Replace all worn gaskets in filters and timers
- Install new batteries in irrigation timers
- Flush filters before first launch
- Run test system launch for 10-15 minutes
- Check all connections for leaks
Time to prepare for new season?
Our catalog has everything needed for restoring irrigation system: drip tape, fittings, filters and timers.