Winterize Your Irrigation Pump - Last Chance Charlestonians!

If you have waited until tonight to winterize your pump, I suggest you find your flashlight or headlamp and head outside for some QT with your irrigation pump. I thought about doing this yesterday when it was 65 degrees out, but decided to head to a Bowl game party instead. So now its 39 degrees outside and dark. Bundle up!

First, turn your system off. I have a Gould 1.5hp pump, so that requires a 9/16 wrench. I simply have to remove the 2 bolts on the front/bottom to let the water drain. Give it 10-15 minutes to make sure all the water has drained out, then replace the bolts. (The above shows the bolts. Mine is and yours will be harder to get to due to the pipe installed above the bolts.) You can also blow compressed air through your pump to really clean the water out. Your pump may be a little different, but just make sure you drain it to avoid freezing and costly repair in the spring!

Here in the South, I've never drained my lines but consider doing that if you live any where that the earth freezes in winter. Your Goulds pump manual won't be too helpful, but maybe your neighbor will be. Good luck and stay warm!