Home Garden

How to Winterize an Irrigation System for Murfreesboro, Tennessee

Before the bitter cold sets in, winterize your irrigation system in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. Known for four true seasons, Tennessee winters can bring snowstorms and cold temperatures. Your irrigation system should be properly prepared to prevent damage. This involves blowing out water in the hoses with an air compressor and insulating pipes with foam. Take time to protect your irrigation system so it will be properly functioning when springtime rolls around in Murfreesboro.

Things You'll Need

  • Bucket
  • Air compressor with capacity to produce minimum 60 pounds of pressure per square inch (PSI) at 15 cubic feet per minute (CFM)
  • Foam insulating tape
  • Foam insulation tubes
Show More

Instructions

    • 1

      Turn off the water to the irrigation system at the master valve. Set timer to rain mode or disconnect power. Open a hose bend. Drain water into a bucket. Close all drains.

    • 2

      Charge air compressor to 60 PSI. Attach air compressor hose to a hose bib fitting. Turn on the compressor and work in a downward motion from the most uphill location. Watch sprinklers as mist is released and move to the next section of the irrigation system as mist turns to air. Repeat process.

    • 3

      Inspect backflow preventer for water and drain. Open all drains. Set ball valves and drains at a 45-degree angle.

    • 4

      Apply foam insulating tape to any above-ground irrigation system pipes. Wrap foam insulation tubes around each pipe. Place foam insulating tape on backflow preventer without covering drain outlets and vents.