To drain water from an irrigation system, the primary method involves opening the manual drain valves in each zone to release the water completely from the sprinkler heads and pipes.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
- Locate the Manual Drain Valves: These valves are typically found at the lowest point in each irrigation zone.
- Open the Drain Valves: Turn each valve to the open position. This allows water to flow out due to gravity.
- Allow Sufficient Drainage Time: For best results, leave the valves open for two to three days to ensure complete drainage. This helps prevent freezing and damage during colder months.
- Drain the Main Line: You'll also need to open valves upstream of each zone to drain water from the primary irrigation line. This ensures that water isn't trapped in the main supply pipe.
Here's a table summarizing the steps:
| Step | Action | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Locate Manual Drain Valves | To identify the points for releasing water from each zone. |
| 2 | Open Drain Valves | To allow water to flow out of the system. |
| 3 | Allow Sufficient Drainage Time (2-3 days) | To ensure complete water removal and prevent damage from freezing. |
| 4 | Drain Main Line | To prevent water from being trapped in the main supply pipe. |
Essentially, draining your irrigation system helps prevent damage from freezing water during colder months. By opening the drain valves at the lowest point of each zone and allowing sufficient time for drainage, you can safeguard your irrigation system.
