As summer transitions into autumn, it's the perfect time to scale down your watering and prepare your irrigation system for the colder months. Proper winterization ensures your system is in top shape and ready for action come spring. Here’s a detailed guide to help you winterize your irrigation system effectively.
Why Winterize Your Irrigation System?
By performing routine inspections and maintenance now, you avoid the hassle of dealing with irrigation issues in the cold weather. Ensuring your system is ready for spring means you won't be caught off guard by sudden hot spells in October or November. Follow these steps to winterize your irrigation system:
Steps to Winterize Your Irrigation System
1. Inspect for Leaks and Drainage Issues
- Boggy Patches: Look for any waterlogged areas in your garden, indicating possible leaks or drainage issues.
- Garden Hose: Extend your garden hose fully and turn it on full blast to check for leaks. If leaks are found, it’s often more practical to replace the hose rather than patching it.
2. Check and Maintain Sprinkler Heads
- Clear Blockages: Ensure all sprinkler heads are free of debris and functioning correctly.
- Direction Check: Verify that sprinklers or drip lines are properly targeting the plants that need watering.
3. Automated System Checks
- Backflow Connection: Inspect the backflow connection of your automated irrigation system.
- Residual Water: Drain any remaining water from the system and either turn it off for the season or set it to water once a week. Monitor weather conditions and manually override the system if necessary.
- Rain Sensor Installation: Consider installing a rain gauge or rain sensor to automate the watering schedule based on rainfall, preventing overwatering and reducing water bills.
Gutter Maintenance for Autumn
Autumn is also the ideal time to clean your gutters to prevent overflow during heavy winter rains. Installing gutter guards can help keep gutters clear throughout the winter.
Your One-Stop Shop for Irrigation Supplies
At Wallington’s Irrigation Supplies, we have everything you need to maintain your irrigation system, including:
- Pipes and fittings
- Sprinklers and drip line irrigation supplies
- Garden hoses, glues, and tools
- Gutter guards and gutter maintenance supplies
Our friendly and experienced team is available seven days a week to assist you. We’re conveniently located just 15 minutes from central Geelong on the beautiful Bellarine Peninsula. Visit us for all your irrigation and gutter maintenance needs.
Ensure your irrigation system is ready for the cold months ahead and prepared for a smooth transition into spring.