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If You Don’t Drain Your Sprinkler System…

If you don’t drain your sprinkler system, especially in regions with freezing temperatures, it can lead to some costly problems. Water left in your sprinkler lines can freeze and expand. This can lead to bursting pipes or even broken sprinkler heads. Damage from freezing often isn’t obvious until the system is turned back on in spring, and by then, you could be dealing with flooding, underground leaks, or patches of dead grass across your lawn. Even if you’re not in a freeze zone, failing to drain your system can still cause issues. Water naturally flows to the lowest points in your system when it shuts off, which can cause sprinkler heads at the bottom to drip for a few minutes after watering ends. This can lead to overwatering and possible erosion.

Automatic Drain Valve FAQs

What are lateral lines in an irrigation system?

In an irrigation system, lateral lines are the pipes that carry water from the mainline to the individual sprinklers or drip lines. Lateral line drains are usually attached at the ends to prevent water from sitting inside after the system shuts off.

How do automatic sprinkler drains work?

Automatic sprinkler drains help empty water from your irrigation lines after the system shuts off. During operation, when water is flowing, water pressure keeps the drain valve closed. However, when the system shuts off and water pressure drops to zero, the valve opens, and any remaining water drains out of the line through the valve.

Can I install automatic drains myself?

Yes! Most automatic drain valves are easy to install and can be added to existing systems without extensive labor. The key is to locate the low points of your irrigation line and install the valves over gravel so that they can drain properly. Most lateral line drains also need to be facing down to help with water flow.