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About Hermiston herald. (Hermiston, Or.) 1994-current | View Entire Issue (Sept. 28, 2016)
WEDNESDAY, SEPTEMBER 28, 2016 WINTERIZE SPRINKLER SYSTEMS BEFORE A FREEZE HITS STAFF PHOTO BY GARY L. WEST Even parts of an underground sprinkler system have components above ground. Sprinkler systems should be shut down and cleared of water before the fi rst hard freeze each year. Winter is coming EAST OREGONIAN/HERMISTON HERALD • 3 HOME IMPROVEMENT & CAR CARE Lines need to be cleared of water in the fall to prevent damage By JADE McDOWELL Staff Writer A s the weather gets cold and homeowners prepare their homes for winter, those with underground sprinkler systems have extra responsibilities. Water left in the system as the weath- er dips below freezing can expand in the wrong places, damaging the system and resulting in hefty repair bills in the spring. In order to prevent damage, property owners should fi nd the main shutoff valve and turn it off, preventing more water from entering the system. Some leftover water will already be resting in the pipes, however, which is why the system needs to be “blown out” with pressurized air, removing extra water lin- gering in the pipes. Lou Lyons, owner of Elmer’s Irrigation in Hermiston, said the right time to blow out a system depends on the weather for the year, but is usually somewhere around the beginning of October. “It’s usually based on the weather and how quick it gets to freezing, because that’s what causes the damage,” he said. He said a night or two dipping down below 32 degrees might be alright, but if homeowners procrastinate too long and a hard freeze hits it can really do damage. “Any system that was installed should have a way to hook a compressor to it, it’s just a matter of getting it done,” he said. Some people will do it themselves, Ly- ons said, if they have access to an air com- pressor and know how to go through the system zone by zone with the right volume of air to expel all the water but not damage the pipes. For homeowners worried about getting it right, there are a variety of land- scaping companies and individuals that ad- vertise their services in town. “Some guys have these big compres- sors, and they can hit it real quick,” he said. How vulnerable the rest of the system is depends on how deep the pipes are underground and where other components STAFF PHOTOS BY GARY L. WEST Pipes that are above ground can be protected from freezing by using insulating tape or tubes to protect the system during freezing weather. Water to underground systems needs to be turned off and lines cleared of water prior to the fi rst hard freeze to prevent costly repairs in the spring are located. Many sprinkler companies with online tutorials for winterizing a home sprinkler system recommend insulating any abo- veground pipes, valves or other compo- nents to help protect the system. Hardware stores sell self-sticking insulating tape, foam insulating tubes and other materials for that purpose. Automatic systems should be put in “rain mode” or shut off completely when it’s time to winterize the system. MOBILE DECORATING UNIT TO YOUR HOME BLINDS ARE US! FREE ESTIMATES F OR ALL YOUR PLUMMING NEEDS ! Unbeatable Prices! Mini Blinds • Duettes Silhouette • Verticals Wood Blinds Pleated Shades COMMERCIAL • RESIDENTIAL NEW or REMODEL REPAIRS or REPLACEMENT Full Line of Handicap Accessible Tubs & Showers! Licensed • Bonded OR St Contr#127924 *5% off your next bill if you like us, rate us, or review us on Faccbook or Yelp. J.t. Dooley 1802 SW Emigrant Ave. 24 Hr. Service Owner/Operator Pendleton, OR 97801 541.278.2800 541.969.2800 • sales@pendletonplumbing.com Pendleton Hermiston 541-276-5599 541-564-6474 www.blindsareus.com LICENSED• BONDED• INSURED Lic #166108 - Contractor• Lic #30-87PB - Plumbing• Lic #6247JP - Journeyman Some of the weatherization products available from Duck Brand for sealing drafts and protecting home elements from winter conditions. Easy ways to weatherize your home StatePoint Extreme temperatures — hot or cold — can send your energy bills through the roof while also creat- ing an uncomfortable living space for your family. Almost two-thirds of American adults live in a home that needs weath- erization, according to a recent online survey, com- missioned by Duck Brand, conducted by Harris Poll. To bring down energy costs and make the temperature in your home more com- fortable, consider defend- ing your home with helpful tools like Roll-On Window Kits, Double Draft Seals, Socket Sealers and Attic Stairway Covers. You can also adjust ceiling fans, in- stall a programmable ther- mostat and open or close curtains to leverage sun- light and shade. To learn more about weatherization products and ways you can make your home more comfort- able and effi cient, visit duckbrand.com/weather- ization. Don’t resign yourself to high energy bills and an un- comfortable living space. Weatherizing is simple, affordable and effective. From the largest farm to the smallest yard, we provide you with the knowledge, the reliability and the quality products to get the job done. Quality, Convenience, Service by Familiar Faces "Proudly serving and investing in the future of our communities." FEATURING: Pipe: PVC, galvanized & black fittings; Filters: Clemons, CTC, Gheen; Pumps: Small centricial pumps, Pressure Tanks; Lawn & garden supplies: K-Rain sprinklers & valves; Hand line, Main line, wheel line: gaskets & fittings, pipe cutting & threading Pivot parts; Pivot sprinkler packages: Nelson & Senninger Motors: UMC and US; Wheel Boxes: UMC & Valley Valves: Butterfly, ball, gate, check; Automatic control valves: Nelson, Netafim ELMER’S IRRIGATION, INC. • Fax: 541-567-8721 Serving the area since 1978 You r H om e is an Investm ent We make it possible for homeowners to design, update & remodel beautiful, low-maintenance and energy efficient homes. Whether you are building new, remodeling or weatherizing your home, make sure that you are using quality mat erials and workmanship. INSU LAT ION Before Take your home from chilly to cozy by making insulation upgrades. Ask about our duct sealing! FREE ES! ESTIMAT After G u tters Eliminate damage to • Foundations • Driveways • Concrete • Decks • Landscaping • Siding 3 styles to choose from, over 30 colors, aluminum, steel, or copper. W indow s Energy efficient windows keep you cool in the summer and warm in the winter. Stop by our showroom! 541-567-2348 • 541-276-0097 • 1-800-265-2348 • 30599 Lauback • Hermiston www.mrinsulation.info mrinsulation@eotnet.net • CCB#97049 • Member N.E.O.H.B.A. As an Energy Trust of Oregon trade ally, we can help you access cash incentives to make it easier to improve your home’s energy efficiency.
