Instructions for correct shutdown of the irrigation system

At the end of the irrigation season, falling temperatures announce the onset of winter. Frost may occur during the winter season, so the automatic irrigation system, including all smart irrigation systems, must be drained and prepared for the winter season. Special attention must therefore be paid to removing water from pipes, valves and sprinkler heads.

The main actions to be taken when shutting down the irrigation system are:

• Closing the manual drain valve installed on the main pipework
• Closing the automatic drain valve
• Cleaning the solenoid valves
• Emptying the system with compressed air

Following this, the status of the control units, according to type, must also be checked:

• Tap controllers
• IP-68 Valve Box controllers
• Indoor controllers
• Outdoor controllers

Pay close attention to how this is done

Emptying the irrigation system is an important activity that must be performed correctly in order to avoid potential problems with the opening of the system the following year. If, for example, water should remain in the solenoid valves or the solenoid body of a tap irrigation controller such as Amico+, Amico R or Amico Vision, the water could freeze causing a consequent leak from the solenoid valve when it is opened again the following season. Care must therefore be taken to detach and remove the devices and store them safely indoors.

The same procedure must be carried out for the solenoid valves installed in the valve box: if the water is not properly removed, it could cause damage both in the event of winter frost and when the system is opened the following season.

Conclusion

The activity of shutting down the irrigation system in preparation for winter is an important step, a necessary and fundamental activity that ensures the proper functioning of the system with the arrival of the new irrigation season.

Emptying the system of water prevents the water from freezing inside the irrigation components and systems: any water residue in the pipes, for example, could freeze due to low winter temperatures and, as it expands, cause the pipes to burst. The same principle applies to solenoid valves and emitters, whether they are drippers or sprinklers.

Irrigation controllers, whether traditional or smart, wall-mounted or battery-operated, are a different matter. In the case of valve box and tap controllers it is necessary to remove the power supply batteries; no special measures need to be taken, however, with 24 Vac controllers.
In particular, it is crucial to detach and remove tap control units and store them in a dry and protected place (both the solenoid valve body and the control unit itself).
Follow these few simple steps and in the Spring you will find your system ready for the new season!