How to Drain Irrigation Backflow Valve

Draining an irrigation backflow valve is a crucial maintenance task that ensures the longevity and functionality of your irrigation system.

Backflow valves play an essential role in preventing contaminated water from entering the clean water supply, thus protecting public health and preserving water quality.

Properly draining these valves helps prevent ice damage during colder months and ensures that the system operates efficiently throughout the year. This guide on how to drain irrigation backflow valve will walk you through the necessary steps to safely and effectively drain your irrigation backflow valve, enabling you to maintain a reliable and effective irrigation setup.

Why Drain Your Irrigation Backflow Valve?

Draining your irrigation backflow valve is vital for several reasons. Firstly, it prevents the build-up of stagnant water, which can lead to corrosion and damage to the valve over time. Additionally, during winter months, any residual water in the valve can freeze, causing pipes and fittings to crack or burst, leading to costly repairs and system downtime.

Regularly draining the valve helps maintain optimal pressure and flow, ensuring that your irrigation system operates efficiently. Furthermore, it safeguards the integrity of your clean water supply by ensuring that contaminants are not introduced into the system, thereby promoting public health and environmental sustainability.

Needed Materials

Before we dive into the steps on how to drain your irrigation backflow valve, here are the materials you will need:

A Bucket or Container:

You will need a container to collect the water draining from the valve. It can be a bucket, plastic bin, or any other suitable container.

Gloves and Eye Protection:

Wearing gloves and eye protection is essential when working with irrigation valves, as they may contain debris and contaminants that could cause harm if they come into contact with your skin or eyes.

Wrenches:

Depending on the type of backflow valve you have, you may require wrenches to loosen any fittings or connections. Make sure to use the wrench of the appropriate size to avoid damaging the valve.

8 Step-by-step Guidelines on How to Drain Irrigation Backflow Valve

Step 1: Turn Off Water

Before beginning the draining process, ensure that the water supply to the irrigation system is completely turned off. Locate the main shut-off valve and rotate it clockwise until it is fully closed. This step is crucial to prevent any water from flowing into the backflow valve while you are attempting to drain it.

Confirm that the irrigation system is inactive by checking for any water discharge from the system before proceeding to the next steps. If there is any water still present, locate and repair any leaks before continuing.

Step 2: Locate the Drain Valve

Once the water supply is turned off, the next step is to locate the drain valve of your irrigation backflow valve. The drain valve is typically found at the bottom of the backflow assembly and is designed to facilitate the removal of water from the system. It may come in the form of a small knob, lever, or threaded fitting.

If you are unsure of its location, consult the manufacturer’s manual for your specific model, as arrangements can vary. Make sure the area around the valve is clear from debris to ensure a safe and unobstructed draining process.

Step 3: Prepare the Container

With the drain valve located, it’s time to prepare your container to collect the water that will be drained. Position your bucket or container directly underneath the drain valve to catch any water that flows out during the draining process.

Ensure the container is stable and can hold the expected volume of water without spilling. If necessary, place a towel or absorbent material around the base of the container to catch any drips and prevent water from pooling on the ground. Once your container is in place, you’re ready to proceed to the next step.

Step 4: Open the Drain Valve

Using gloves and eye protection, carefully open the drain valve by turning the knob or lever counterclockwise or loosening the threaded fitting. This will allow any residual water to flow out of the valve and into your container.

If your valve has a threaded fitting, use a wrench to loosen it slowly while holding onto the container to avoid spills. Once you have opened the drain valve, wait for all water to empty from the valve before proceeding.

Step 5: Check for Debris

As you are draining, keep an eye out for any debris that may be present in the water. If you notice any obstructions, clear them out with your hand or use a small brush to remove them.

This is an essential step as debris can cause clogs and damage the valve if left unchecked. Once all visible debris has been removed, proceed to the next step.

Step 6: Close the Drain Valve

After ensuring that all residual water has been drained and any debris has been removed, it’s time to close the drain valve. Carefully turn the knob or lever clockwise or tighten the threaded fitting until it is securely closed.

It’s important to ensure that the valve is closed tightly to prevent any future leaks and to maintain the integrity of your irrigation system. Once the drain valve is closed, check for any signs of leakage around the fittings. If everything appears to be secure, proceed to the next step in the process.

Step 7: Turn the Water Supply Back On

With the drain valve closed, it’s time to turn the water supply back on. Slowly rotate the main shut-off valve counterclockwise until it is fully open. This will allow water to flow back into your irrigation system.

Check for any leaks or abnormalities in pressure or flow, and make necessary adjustments. If everything appears to be functioning correctly, you’re ready to proceed to the final step.

Step 8: Record and Maintain

Finally, it’s essential to record when you drained your irrigation backflow valve and keep a maintenance schedule. Draining your valve at least once a year is recommended, but depending on your location and water quality, you may need to do it more frequently.

Keeping a record of this maintenance will help ensure that your irrigation system remains in optimal condition and prevent any issues in the future.

Following these guidelines on how to drain irrigation backflow valve will help you properly maintain and protect your irrigation system by regularly draining your backflow valve. This simple maintenance task can go a long way in promoting public health and protecting the environment from harmful contaminants. Remember to always wear proper protective gear and follow manufacturer instructions for your specific model. Happy irrigating!

Do You Need to Get Help From a Professional?

While many homeowners can successfully drain and maintain their irrigation backflow valves with the right tools and knowledge, there may be instances when seeking professional assistance is advisable. If you encounter any complex issues, such as leaks that cannot be easily fixed, or if you are unsure about any of the steps in the process, a certified irrigation professional can provide the expertise needed to ensure the job is done safely and correctly.

Additionally, if your backflow valve is showing signs of wear or damage, it is prudent to consult a professional to assess the situation and recommend necessary repairs or replacements. Overall, prioritising the safety and proper function of your irrigation system is crucial, and sometimes, that means getting expert help.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: How Often Should I Drain My Irrigation Backflow Valve?

A: It is recommended to drain your backflow valve at least once a year, but depending on your location and water quality, you may need to do it more frequently (e.g. every 6 months). Keeping  a record of when you drained your backflow valve and maintaining a regular schedule can help ensure the optimal functioning of your irrigation system.

Q2: What Happens if I Don’t Drain My Irrigation Backflow Valve?

A: Not draining your backflow valve can lead to potential health hazards and environmental contamination. It can also cause damage to your irrigation system, resulting in costly repairs or replacements.

Q3: Can I Drain My Backflow Valve Without Turning Off the Water Supply?

A: No, it is essential to turn off the water supply before draining your backflow valve to prevent any potential accidents or injuries.  It’s also important to follow safety precautions and wear appropriate protective gear during the draining process.

Q4: Can I Drain My Backflow Valve Any Time of the Year?

A: While it is recommended to drain your backflow valve at least once a year, it is best to do it when the irrigation system is not in use, such as during the off-season or before starting up your system for the first time in spring. This will help prevent any damage to your plants and garden beds while also ensuring that the valve is ready for use when needed.

Conclusion

Draining your irrigation backflow valve is a simple process that can have significant benefits for the health, efficiency, and sustainability of your irrigation system. By following these step-by-step guidelines on how to drain irrigation backflow valve, you can easily maintain your valve and ensure proper functioning of your entire irrigation system.

Remember to wear protective gear when working with valves and keep a record of regular maintenance for optimal results.