How do I know if my sprinkler system is winterized or not

[Cnynrat]

Originally Posted by banjomike

The ancient sprinkler system in my yard self-drains after the water is shut off. I don't know how it's done, but I suspect it's a simple valve that opens once the water pressure is gone.

Maybe newer ones have the same feature?

That can only happen with gravity assist. Water will not flow up hill, so that is completely dependent on the topography and layout of the system.

For some time now, Idaho has required anti- backflow devices that prevent water in the sprinkler lines from flowing back into the water supply and potentially contaminating the water supply. Here in Bonner county it's one of the rare things that require an inspection by the state when a sprinkler system is installed. These devices will prevent water from moving from the sprinkler line side of the device to the side where the water supply valve is located.

I suppose it's possible the OP has a system that will drain on its own, but if it were that simple it's hard to believe they would pay someone to come perform such a simple task.

Dave

[banjomike]

Originally Posted by Cnynrat

That can only happen with gravity assist. Water will not flow up hill, so that is completely dependent on the topography and layout of the system.

For some time now, Idaho has required anti- backflow devices that prevent water in the sprinkler lines from flowing back into the water supply and potentially contaminating the water supply. Here in Bonner county it's one of the rare things that require an inspection by the state when a sprinkler system is installed. These devices will prevent water from moving from the sprinkler line side of the device to the side where the water supply valve is located.

I suppose it's possible the OP has a system that will drain on its own, but if it were that simple it's hard to believe they would pay someone to come perform such a simple task.

Dave

Yup. I know next to nothing about how mine works except that it does have an anti-backflow valve. My back hard also as a pretty steep slope, so the system has plenty of gravity to drain it.

[nm9stheham]

Originally Posted by banjomike

The ancient sprinkler system in my yard self-drains after the water is shut off. I don't know how it's done, but I suspect it's a simple valve that opens once the water pressure is gone.

Maybe newer ones have the same feature?

Or you have a slow leak !

[zed42]

Originally Posted by Cnynrat

I suppose it's possible the OP has a system that will drain on its own, but if it were that simple it's hard to believe they would pay someone to come perform such a simple task.

Dave

It will take a least a 10cfm air compressor to do the job, how many people have a 10cfm compressor. Now you can usually rent a 10cfm air compressor at your local rental agency (around here about $22 for 2 hours and $37 for 4 hours). It cost me $35 for a company to blow out my lines and I have a little over 1 acre of land that is covered by sprinklers. Thanks, but I'll let them do it.

[Cnynrat]

Originally Posted by zed42

It will take a least a 10cfm air compressor to do the job, how many people have a 10cfm compressor. Now you can usually rent a 10cfm air compressor at your local rental agency (around here about $22 for 2 hours and $37 for 4 hours). It cost me $35 for a company to blow out my lines and I have a little over 1 acre of land that is covered by sprinklers. Thanks, but I'll let them do it.

How does your post address the OP's question?

As it happens, I have a 10 CFM compressor. Not that uncommon IMO. I blow out my sprinkler system myself.

I don't think I could get someone to drive out to my place for $35, let alone do any work. We're talking rural north Idaho for both the OP and myself, not somewhere in the city.

Dave

[zed42]

Originally Posted by Cnynrat

How does your post address the OP's question?

As it happens, I have a 10 CFM compressor. Not that uncommon IMO. I blow out my sprinkler system myself.

I don't think I could get someone to drive out to my place for $35, let alone do any work. We're talking rural north Idaho for both the OP and myself, not somewhere in the city.

Dave

What makes you think I live in the "city"( which I don't), and what makes you think a 10CFM compressor is not "uncommon" among most residents? More power to you for taking care of your own sprinkler system, but I suspect the majority of people do not know how to perform the task safely (IMO)