Ask a Plumber Blog

Yes, it is already that time of the year. We are beginning to prepare for sprinkler winterization here at askaplumber.com. Ron Turner, a Master Plumber and managing partner of askaplumber.com has been winterizing sprinkler systems in Colorado for the past 25 years. He has put together some tips and tricks that can prevent an expensive plumbing bill next spring.

Even if you have drained some water out of the system, the remaining water can freeze, expand and crack the PVC piping (rigid, white pipe), usually from fitting to fitting. Polyethylene pipe (flexible, black pipe) is used in many freezing climates. Although polyethylene 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. It is recommended that a qualified licensed contractor perform this type of “winterization” method. Compressed air should not be blown through any backflow device.