Winterizing Irrigation Systems and Flow Sensors
Prepare for Winter
As temperatures begin to drop, homeowners, landscapers, and facility managers need to prepare their irrigation systems for winter. Winterizing is an essential part of irrigation system maintenance, preventing damage from freezing water, protecting pipes and valves, and ensuring that everything will function smoothly when spring arrives.
However, one part of the irrigation winterization process that can be time-consuming is dealing with the flow sensors. For many systems, the flow sensor or meter needs to be removed from the valve box and replaced with a length of pipe before blowing out the lines. Sometimes this even involves removing the valve box and enlarging the hole to get at the connections of longer meters. But thanks to the innovative design of Creative Sensor Technology’s (CST) flow sensors, that extra step is no longer necessary. CST’s flow sensors can safely remain in place during the irrigation winterization process, saving contractors and property owners valuable time and labor while protecting system integrity.
Why Irrigation Winterization Is Essential
When irrigation systems are not properly winterized, any residual water left inside pipes, backflow preventors, valves, or sensors can freeze, expand, and cause significant damage. Cracked pipes, broken joints, and destroyed meters are common issues caused by freezing temperatures. Even a small amount of leftover water can compromise an entire system, leading to expensive repairs, wasted time, and disrupted landscaping.
The standard method of winterization involves compressed air injection to “blow out” the system. Contractors connect an air compressor to the irrigation system close to the point of connection and force all the water through the piping and out of the rotors and spray heads. While this process effectively clears most components, many flow sensor brands and all water meters cannot handle the high air velocity generated during the blowout process. This means they must be removed before the irrigation winterization process begins, adding a layer of complexity to the job.
The Issue with Traditional Flow Sensor Winterization
Many irrigation flow sensors available on the market today are not designed for use in irrigation systems. When these flow sensors and meters are exposed to the high velocity of compressed air used for winterizing, their bearings, shafts, and gears overheat, wear out, or break.
The older design of traditional flow sensors can often trap small pools of water inside their mounting tees, even after blowout, leading to freezing, cracks, and leaks when temperatures drop. Because of these risks, flow sensors and all water meters must be removed before performing any irrigation winterization work, a process that requires additional time to remove the device and then install a temporary section of pipe to reconnect the system. Removing water meters may require removing the valve box and enlarging the hole to expose the pipe unions or flanges. For contractors managing multiple properties or large areas, such as golf courses, corporate campuses, or multiple properties, that added time translates into fewer jobs completed per day and increased costs.
CST’s Innovative Flow Sensors for Irrigation Winterization
When developing our flow sensors, the CST team incorporated an innovative design with irrigation winterization in mind to eliminate the hassle of removing each flow sensor in a system. CST flow sensors feature a simple, durable design with only one moving impeller made of ultra high molecular weight polyethylene that serves as a bearing surface. This minimalistic construction makes CST flow sensors immune to damage from high-velocity compressed air. The impeller material doesn’t need water to cool and lubricate it like other sensor and meter designs. CST sensors are ideal for leaving in place during cold and freezing temperatures, even when the ground is frozen.
The durability also comes from the cutting-edge engineering behind CST’s flow sensor products. The sensor mounting tees are custom molded to provide a smooth straight through passage that is not restricted by changes in the diameter of the inside wall. This feature allows air to pass completely through during blowout, ensuring no water remains trapped inside. Once the water has been removed, freezing temperatures are no longer a concern, and the sensor can remain in the valve box, connected to the irrigation system, all winter long.
The Ease of Winterizing with CST
For contractors and property managers, CST’s improved flow sensor design simplifies the entire irrigation winterization process. There’s no need to disconnect wires, unscrew fittings, or remove the sensor from the valve box. The sensor’s insert remains securely in the pipe, protected underground in the valve box.
And for those who still prefer to remove the internal insert, the flow sensor insert can be quickly unplugged from the mounting tee without removing wiring. You can simply place a protective plug into the housing and leave the wired insert beside it in the valve box.
This ease of irrigation maintenance has proven invaluable for CST customers across the country. Even after repeated winterization cycles, some CST flow sensors have been installed and left in place for over 20 years without issue.
Selecting the Right Equipment for the Job
To effectively winterize an irrigation system, it’s important to use the right equipment. A small contractor-grade compressor designed for nail guns won’t have the volume needed to push water through the system. Instead, CST recommends a compressor that delivers 100–185 cubic feet per minute (CFM) at 80–100 PSI, powerful enough to clear the lines completely without damaging them.
Once the lines are cleared and the water is fully expelled, CST’s sensors can safely remain in place. The combination of durable materials, innovative design, and durable components means there’s no risk of damage during the compressed air process or freezing weather.
Irrigation winterization is a vital step of proper irrigation maintenance, protecting your investment and ensuring long-term performance. CST flow sensors are built to last, engineered to handle harsh weather conditions, and streamline the irrigation winterization process, allowing you to save time and reduce costs.
Interested in a hassle-free irrigation winterization process? View our flow sensor products now!