Some of the irrigation systems you will be winterizing this fall include an irrigation pump. There are special steps to follow to be sure the pump is properly winterized to avoid the potential for costly damage. Be sure to share these steps with your team
Follow these simple steps to winterize a centrifugal irrigation pump:
- Turn off power to the pump – Typically this is done at a breaker or the pump relay. You’ll need the irrigation controller to be able to continue to activate valves for a system “blowout” but NOT operate the pump.
- Disconnect the suction line and remove it from the lake or pond. Remove, clean and store the intake filter.
- Disconnect any monitoring devices, such as transducers, temperature sensors or pressure sensors. At a minimum, all water should be removed and, if possible, monitoring devices should be stored somewhere that they will not risk freezing. Disconnect the pump from the discharge line or otherwise isolate it so you can complete the “blow out” winterization. Do not blow out through the pump.
- Drain the pump case – Open the top and bottom drain valves to remove water from the pump impeller chamber.
- Close drains – Once the water is drained from the pump case, close drain valves.
- Preserve the pump – Fill the pump case with Munro Freeze Defeat Winterization Fluid (just past the eye of the impeller).
Munro Freeze Defeat prevents costly pump damage from freezing, protects pump insides from rust and corrosion, and prevents pump bearings and seals from drying out and seizing. With pump protection to -25 degrees, Freeze Defeat ensures a working and efficient pump come spring.
Have questions about winterizing other types of pumps or pump stations? Call the Central Pump Hotline for help! 1-844-PUMP-101.