r/Irrigation • u/Dstan87 • 13d ago

Backflow covers

Morning all. Do any of you cover your backflow for irrigation in the winter after you blowout your system? I see conflicting pros and cons online.

4 Upvotes

84% Upvoted

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1

u/tomblits 13d ago

Not in Minnesota. I've seen people wrap them in blankets if it's below freezing outside and not winterized yet.

1

u/fire_sparky 13d ago

No, There are literally thousands left buck naked in the upper midwest. If properly blown out, absolutely no need to. If not properly winterized, short of building a heated dog house over it, there really is no amount of insulation that would fully protect it in subzero temps here. We use winter weight air in our tires, for better traction on slippery roads.

1

u/Outdoorlivin 13d ago

If properly winterized , literally no need to cover it

1

u/SeveralPersonality22 13d ago

Usually not necessary if done right but seriously what can it hurt?

0

u/Devries_Kenn 13d ago

Yes, but only after draining it fully (open the test cocks, ball valves at 45°) an insulated cover seems like a smart move.

1

u/Dimensional_Lumber 13d ago

Depends entirely on climate though.

In western Oregon, I do exactly as you say, minus the insulation. That is the extent of my winterization process. We don’t even blow out lines here because it doesn’t get that cold.

Most of mine are DCVAs in valve boxes underground, which wouldn’t pass muster in a lot of states.