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- Cracked Ball Valve Body
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- Both Bonnet and ball valve need replacing
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- Bonnet/Poppet damage
Over the years we had a couple of debates on how to properly Winterize/Flush your sprinkler system. Other professionals debate over insulating or not insulating the whole backflow. As well as Turning on the system with the controller for a couple of minutes while your main shut-off at the backflow is OFF. These steps are fine but to have extra assurance during a freeze. Here’s what you need to do to avoid an unwanted “water feature”. Below are my top two reasons why your system could fail.
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- In-Ground Isolation Ball valve
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- Brass Ball Valve
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- “Closed” Position Ball Valve
(1)NOT HAVING AN ISOLATION VALVE
You need to be able to Shut-Off the water supply to the sprinkler system. This is what we call an Isolation Ball Valve. Typically it’s installed In-ground near the Water Meter/Source. You’ll also find it in-ground near the backflow as well below the Inlet side of the backflow. A must have if you want to properly Winterize your sprinkler system.
(2) NOT LEAVING THE BALL VALVES AT 45° ON YOUR BACKFLOW
45° Degrees will be your friend, and no I’m not talking about the outdoor temperature. It’s the position you will set the two ball valves and both test cocks in your Backflow Preventer. Leave them at 45° till you are ready to start your system back up again in early Spring.
All four ball valves left at 45°, Isolation Valve turned to Closed Position
Insulation Pouch