What is included in a winterization and why do I need to do it?
Every year, preferably before the first freeze, irrigation systems that are in parts of the country where the frost level extends below the depth of the installed piping must be winterized. Even if you have drained some water out of the system, the remaining water can freeze, expand and crack PVC (rigid, white pipe) or copper pipe. Polyethylene pipe (flexible, black pipe) is used in many freezing climates. Although “poly” pipe is more flexible and can expand under pressure, water left inside could freeze and rupture the pipe walls. Freezing water in the backflow assembly will damage the internal components and could possibly crack the brass body. To minimize the risk of freeze damage to your irrigation system, it is important to have your irrigation system “winterized.
