As you prepare irrigation systems for winter, remember that without proper winterization, irrigation pumps can suffer costly damage over the cold months. Make sure your crew knows the right steps to protect these systems.

Here’s a step-by-step guide for winterizing a centrifugal irrigation pump:

1. Shut off the power – Turn off the pump’s power at the breaker or pump relay. You’ll still need the irrigation controller to operate valves for a system “blowout,” but be sure the pump itself won’t run during that process.
2. Remove the suction line – Disconnect the suction line and pull it from the water source. Clean and store the intake filter in a dry place.
3. Disconnect monitoring devices – Transducers, temperature sensors, and pressure sensors should be removed whenever possible. At the very least, drain all water from them to avoid freezing damage. Disconnect the pump from the discharge line or isolate it so you can complete the blowout without pushing air through the pump.
4. Drain the pump case – Open the top and bottom drain valves to remove water from the impeller chamber.
5. Close drains – After the pump is fully drained, close all valves to keep out debris or pests.
6. Add freeze protection – Fill the pump case with Munro Freeze Defeat Winterization Fluid until the level is just above the impeller eye. Or equivalent.

Need guidance for other pump types or pump stations? Contact the Ewing Pump Hotline for help! 1-844-PUMP-PRO or email info@ewingpumppro.com.