The first snowflakes of the year have fallen and, if you haven’t begun winterizing your sprinkler system, you need to. Split or ruptured pipes can cost you hundreds if not thousands of dollars to repair.
We have put together some easy, step-by-step instructions on how you can winterize your sprinkler system yourself. We recommend the same technique used in the northeast, the blow out method, for winterizing a sprinkler system.
This method gets all the water out of the lines and is an easy and effective way to winterize. You can get all the parts for this do-it-yourself project at Louie’s ACE Home Center.
Use an air compressor with an 80 to 100 cubic foot per minute (CFM) rating. Make sure the sprinkler system you want to winterize has a mainline for water of 2-inches or less. You can purchase an air compressor, or rent one from our ACE hardware rentals. We have all the hook ups as well.
Locate the air hose connections. Make sure you use a connection located after the PVB back flow preventer. In the Fallon area, homes built in the last 15-20 years have a back-flow preventer on the sprinkler system. If you don’t have one, crack the pipe and the sprinkler valve and connect the air hose there to assist you in winterizing the sprinkler system.
You can make your own attachment (a jig) and connect it to your irrigation system. We can help you locate the parts and make it. Jigs are made with a washing machine hose, cut to 18 inches, a quick coupling, and a threaded to bared connector to combine the coupling and the hose. Screw it into the existing hose bib.
Trace the pipe back or locate the main water meter for your house. Make sure no new water can flow into the lines.
Most systems have a drain plug or sill cock drain. Open the valve and drain it into a bucket. Allow the pipe to drain completely. Go outside and close the back-flow isolation valves. Open and drain the test cocks on the PVB.
Keep the valves closed and attach the air compressor hose to the fitting. DO NOT run a compressor with an open valve. It can lead to a damaged zone valve gate.
Start with the zone which is highest in elevation and furthest from the compressor and turn it on. Blow out each zone for two minutes. Do this until no water can be seen coming out of the heads. Repeat the process until it is dry.
Disconnect the air compressor and release any air pressure from the lines. Open and drain all test cocks on the PVB to make sure no water is left inside.
You do this to ensure any trapped water is gone from the upper areas of your system. Turn and leave these valves at a 45-degree angle to complete winterizing your sprinkler system.
If you rented the compressor from our ACE hardware rentals, don’t forget to return it in a timely manner so someone else can use it to winterize their sprinkler system. Happy winterizing!
Imagine spring cookouts, breezy air, and a lush, green lawn to enjoy it all on. In Fallon, Nevada, keeping a nice lawn can take a lot of work. Unlike other climates, it takes the use of sprinklers and regular upkeep to keep your grass bright and vibrant. With that comes regular maintenance, especially after the winter season. Luckily, at Louie's Ace Hardware, we have all of the lawn care hardware rentals that you need to have the yard that you've been dreaming of.
After the long winter, thatch can build up and prevent your grass from looking its best. When the dead grass that gets stuck between living grass and the soil is not able to receive proper air, water, and nutrients, your lawn can look less than stellar. At Louie's Ace Hardware, we carry all the lawn care hardware rentals you need to remove thatch and restore your lawn to its prime.
It's that time of the year again! Time to aerate your lawn to allow air, water, and nutrients to get to get to the grass roots. If you're lawn is looking dead and colorless, this is a great way to alleviate soil compaction. In dryer climates like Nevada, aerating can save your lawn. Stop by our hardware rentals department for all the equipment you need to get your lawn looking in tip-top shape!
Weeding or digging a garden by hand can be tedious and time consuming. That's where a rototiller comes in hand. These handy tools can make gardening a breeze. We carry them as a rental item, so that you can have the added convenience without the pressure to store them throughout the year.
A lawn roller can be great for erasing damage caused to your lawn throughout the winter. You can flatten ant and mole hills quickly, and make your lawn look flawless.
There's nothing that says spring more than a lush lawn. So what are you waiting for? Stop by to check out our ACE hardware rentals you may need for your lawn and garden this season. We make lawn care and other hardware rentals easy and affordable, and our knowledgeable and friendly staff are ready to assist you. Want to inquire about our hardware rentals? Give us a call. We hope to see you soon!
