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Winterise your irrigation system with compressed air
To do this, shut the supply line with a ball valve and connect a compressor to the compressed air coupling. Now open one irrigation circuit and slowly increase the air pressure to a maximum of 1.5 bar. The compressed air ensures that the water standing in the pipes is pressed out of the spray nozzles and drip pipes.
Drain your irrigation system: Consider boiler size when selecting compressed air unit
There are different types of compressors on the market, ranging from the smallest compressed air implements for inflating tyres to heavy compressors for professionals. When choosing a compressor model, it is important to ensure that the compressor has a sufficiently dimensioned compressed air reservoir - even though users often would prefer the compressor to be as compact as possible. In order to blow out all the water of the irrigation pipes, only compressor models that can produce sufficient compressed air in reserve will work. In operation, compressors cannot usually provide air pressure and air volume by just running the motor. Therefore, before the actual winterisation, the unit must first fill the reservoir and then start draining the irrigation system.
Alternatives to draining with compressed air
The following options are an alternative to compressed air drainage: Drainage by ball valve at the lowest point or the use of automatic drain valves at the lowest points of the irrigation system. Automatic drain valves open at the end of each irrigation cycle and drain into a gravel fill.
These special features must already be taken into account during the planning stage. Since it is not easy to check that the system has been properly drained, we recommend draining the irrigation system with compressed air.
The importance of autumn jobs: Without draining with a compressor, damage to the irrigation system can occur
The irrigation system can be "winterised" with compressed air.
To prevent freezing of the irrigation system in winter, compressed air can be used to blow air into the pipes. If one forgets to blow out the system in autumn, or if a mistake is made during the process, the system may be damaged by frost. Among other things, valves and sprinklers in the system are most at risk. If there is still water remaining in these parts, freezing water may expand. In this case, the casings may crack and must then be replaced.
Winterising the irrigation system in the garden
If you want to prepare your irrigation system for winter, you need a compressor. With the help of compressed air, the entire system is drained step by step. One valve is opened at a time and the working pressure is slowly increased until the water has been blown out by the air. Once all pipes, valves, sprinklers and drip pipes have been drained, the system can be left outside during the winter.
Before you start draining the irrigation system, make sure your controller is set to "OFF". It should be powered through the winter but not start watering.
Ball valves can trap a small amount of water behind the ball when fully open or closed. In winter, the safest position for ball valves in irrigation systems is half open.
Information on winterising your garden irrigation
At DVS Beregnung we provide you with everything you need for winterising your garden and your irrigation. In our online shop you can order all material (incl. VAT) from the category "winterising irrigation" directly online. With us you will find products at the best value for money with little effort. We offer products for the private garden, for industry and agriculture.
Your order will be delivered by DHL.
Do you have any questions about our product range? No problem, just send us an e-mail!