Some of the irrigation systems you will winterize this fall include an irrigation pump. Miss a step and the result could be disastrous, and costly. Here are six simple steps to winterize a centrifugal irrigation pump to share with your team:

1. 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.
2. Disconnect the suction line and remove it from the lake or pond. Remove, clean and store the intake filter.
3. 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 blowout winterization. Do not blow out through the pump.
4. Drain the pump case. Open the top and bottom drain valves to remove water from the pump impeller chamber.
5. Close the drains. Once the water is drained from the pump case, close drain valves.
6. Preserve the pump. Fill the pump case to just past the eye of the impeller with Munro Freeze Defeat Winterization Fluid.

Munro Freeze Defeat can help prevent 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 F, it can ensure a working and efficient pump come spring.

Lean on Us for Answers and Troubleshooting

Have questions about winterizing other types of pumps or pump stations, or need help troubleshooting a problem? Call the Ewing Pump Hotline for help at 1-844-PUMP-PRO.

You also can drop by by one of our 250-plus local Ewing locations nationwide to speak with a friendly, knowledgeable professional or checkout our helpful pump-related videos on YouTube.

This article was submitted by Ashlee Pond of Munro Companies, Inc. Learn more about Munro at https://www.munropump.com/Home.