(NAPSA}—Thesprinkler system that spent all summer keeping your lawn and landscape beautiful—while saving water, time and money—now needsa little help getting ready to withstand the onset of winter and colder temperatures. Here are tips from the experts at Rain Bird that can help protect yourirrigation system: * Stay In Control—If you have an automatic system, then you will need to “shut down” the controller (timer). Most controllers have a “rain” or “off? mode that simply shutsoff the signals to the valves. The controller continues to keep time, the programming information (start times, valve run times,etc.) isn’t lost and the clock continues to run. The only change is that the valves will not activate. An alternative to using that It’s a cool idea for homeowners to know how to prepare their sprinkler systems for cold weather. the water from the pipes and sprinklers so it doesn’t freeze and cause the pipes to burst. There are several ways to drain pipes: manual drain valves, automatic drain valves or the compressed air mode is to simply shut off the blowout method. Since there could power to the controller. If you do, bepotential safety risks, contactyoull need to reprogram the time ing an irrigation specialist is a and potentially all the other set- goodidea. tings when the weather warms up. Protect Backflow Pre* Insulate Your Assets— venters—Insulate backflow preShut off the water supply to the venters and valves if they are irrigation system and protect the above ground. You can also use main shutoff valve against freez- insulation tape for this, but be ing. Make sure the valve is careful not to block the air vents wrapped with insulation (foam and drain outlets on backflow insulation tape and a plastic bag). preventers. It’s important to consult an If you don’t have a main shutoff valve, install one and considerit a irrigation specialist, such as ‘Any aboveground piping needs attempt to winterize your system. preventative investment. to be insulated as well. Self-stick- ing, foam-insulating tape or foam- insulating tubes commonly found at homesupply stores work well. * Drain The Pipes—People in very cold areas often remove those at Rain Bird, before you * Learn More—For more irri- gation tips as well as information on where to find a specialist to help you winterize your system, visit www.rainbird.com or call (800) RAINBIRD.
