Freeze Protection

Freeze Protection

Winter at DripworksIn most parts of the country there is a real concern about freezing and freeze damage to a drip system during winter. There are two areas to deal with, the beginning of the system (timer, valves and filter) and low spots in the system where water may settle.
Battery timers, filters, regulators and electric valves should be brought indoors. Battery timers should have the batteries removed.

  1. When the filter assembly is removed, use the HPLUG to plug the beginning of the mainline tubing or use a plastic bag over the opening. Do not leave lines open.
  2. After the main water supply is shut off, open all manual valves. Remove all end fittings, drain any water and replace the fittings.
  3. Tubing is not damaged by freezing, but 1/2 and 3/4 inch fittings will crack if water is left in them. Elevate slightly to insure that they do not have water in them.
  4. For low spots in the mainline tubing, either use a flush valve or insert an emitter at the lowest point. As long as the tubing is not full of water there should be no damage.

Another widely used practice is to blow air through the lines with a compressor after opening the end cap.

  • Draining Your System

  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    Flush Valve(2 PSI)
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    This flush valve opens when line pressure drops below 2.5 PSI. It can be installed at the end of a drip line using a CE or an ELMH or at a low point in the middle of a line using a CMT or an ELMT.

    When installing drippers or sprayers in hanging baskets it is a good idea to install a flush valve into the vertical feed line a foot or so below the horizontal feed line. This will prevent prolonged dripping into the baskets.

    • Name
    • Weight
    • Price
    • Qty
    •  
    • Flush Valve--FHT (2 PSI)
      VFH
    • 0.024 lbs
    • $1.10
    • Flush Valve--3/4" FPT(2 PSI)
      VFP
    • 0.025 lbs
    • $1.10
  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    MPT Air Bleed Valve
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    When installing an underground system there is usually a problem with the back suction of dirt particles when the system shuts off. This can be solved by inserting Air Bleed Valves at high points in the system. Also used at the high point in a gravity fed system to prevent air locks.

    To install in a 1/2" mainline, use an EL12FT fitting.

    • Name
    • Weight
    • Price
    • Qty
    •  
    • 1" MPT Air Bleed Valve
      VAB1
    • 0.214 lbs
    • $8.90
    • 1/2" MPT Air Bleed Valve
      VAB12
    • 0.016 lbs
    • $3.50
    • 3/4" MPT Air Bleed Valve
      VAB34
    • 0.229 lbs
    • $8.90
  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    Drain Valve (plastic)
    1/2"MPT
    Item #: VDRAIN
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    To ensure your lines empty out at shutdown, install one of these 1/2" MPT drain valves at the lowest point of your system.

    Name
    Drain Valve (plastic)
    1/2"MPT - VDRAIN
    Price
    Each:   $3.95
    Qty
     
  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    Drain Valve (brass)
    1/2" MPT
    Item #: VDRAINBR
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    To ensure your lines empty out at shutdown, install one of these 1/2" MPT drain valves at the lowest point of your system.

    Name
    Drain Valve (brass)
    1/2" MPT - VDRAINBR
    Price
    Each:  $3.29
    Qty
     

  • Back Flow Preventers and Check Valves

  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    Back Flow Preventer
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    Most newer homes have brass back flow preventers on every outside faucet. Use when fertilizer is injected into a system. Can reduce water flow by 20-30%.

    • Name
    • Weight
    • Price
    • Qty
    •  
    • Back Flow Preventer--Brass
      FBFP
    • 0.2 lbs
    • $6.30
    • Back Flow Preventer--Plastic
      FBFPP
    • 0.065 lbs
    • $3.30
  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    PVC Check Valve (FPT)
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    A one way valve that will keep water in a drip system from flowing back into your home water supply if there is a sudden loss of pressure. Check valves are commonly used in pump systems to eliminate back pressure on the pump. PVC body with a 1/2 pound spring.

    • Name
    • Weight
    • Price
    • Qty
    •  
    • 3/4" PVC Check Valve (FPT)
      VPCK
    • 0.203 lbs
    • $8.80
    • 1" PVC Check Valve (FPT)
      VPCK1
    • 0.375 lbs
    • $12.40
    • 1 1/2" PVC Check Valve (FPT)
      VPCK112
    • 0.931 lbs
    • $17.40
    • 1 1/4" PVC Check Valve (FPT)
      VPCK114
    • 0.767 lbs
    • $16.00
    • 2" PVC Check Valve (FPT)
      VPCK2
    • 1.369 lbs
    • $24.00
    • Hose Thread Check Valve
      VPCKH
    • 0.198 lbs
    • $11.10
  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    Vacuum Breaker
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    Use a vacuum breaker when fertilizer is injected into a system to prevent contamination of your water supply. Most cities require them at the start of any system whether fertilizer injection is used or not. If in doubt, call your local building inspector.
    Operates at pressures of 0 to 100 PSI.
    The vacuum breaker will reduce water flow and pressure at 8 GPM, there is a 10 PSI loss.
    * not for constant pressure

    • Name
    • Weight
    • Price
    • Qty
    •  
    • Vacuum Breaker--FH x MH
      FAVBH
    • 0.057 lbs
    • $2.90
    • Vacuum Breaker--FH x MP
      FAVBP
    • 0.062 lbs
    • $2.90
  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    Wilkins Dbl Check Valve
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    The brass double check valve from Febco (3/4" unit) or Wilkins (1" unit) provides double backflow protection. This unit has two independent check valves for fail-safe operation and can be installed in a valve box (below ground).

    • Name
    • Weight
    • Price
    • Qty
    •  
    • 3/4" Double Check Valve
      VDCK34
    • 8.036 lbs
    • $142.00
    • 1" Wilkins Dbl Check Valve
      VDCK1
    • 9.411 lbs
    • $150.00
  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    Pressure Gauge
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    Find out what your pressure really is! These gauges have hose swivel adapters to hook up to a faucet, the end of a hose or in-line in a drip system. For an in-line set-up, you will need a Male Hose Tee, CMT or ELMT. For end of line set-up use a Male Hose End, CE or ELMH. When not using the gauge, cap off the tee or hose end with a hose cap, HCAP.

    • Name
    • Weight
    • Price
    • Qty
    •  
    • 100 PSI Gauge w/ FHT
      PGH100
    • 0.555 lbs
    • $10.95
    • 15 PSI Gauge w/ FHT
      PGH15
    • 0.55 lbs
    • $10.95
    • 30 PSI Gauge w/ FHT
      PGH30
    • 0.565 lbs
    • $10.95
  • Array.prod_name|replace:

    Pressure Gauge + Flow Gauge
    Item #: PGFTEST
    Email iconEmail to a Friend
    Availability: In Stock

    This nifty gauge will let you see both your water flow and your water pressure. Water pressure can be measured up to 160 PSI. Water flow can be measured up to 13 GPM (or 780 GPH). This gauge helps you determine the water capacity limitations that directly impact the design and performance of your drip irrigation system.
    No landscaper should be without it!

    Name
    Pressure Gauge + Flow Gauge - PGFTEST
    Price
    Each:  $105.00
    Qty