- 1). Examine your double check valve assembly, and find either the capped drain port or the test cock valve or valves. Double check valves must be cleaned out as part of the system maintenance and generally have ports for this operation. If this is the case, you can drain your system using the check valve assembly. Determine the number of test cocks, if this is the type of assembly you have.
- 2). Prepare a piece of garden hose long enough to span the distance from your check valve assembly to the outside, a sump pump pit, or another drain source like a floor drain or laundry tub. You will need a piece of hose with a female end for each test cock on the double check valve. You'll likely need just one.
- 3). Locate what looks like a square peg on a drain cap assembly on the check valve, if there is one. Usually, there will be either test cocks or a capped drain assembly. For this method, you need a wrench the size of the square nut on the cap to remove it and large-diameter flexible landscape tubing to route the water to your drain source.
- 4). Turn off the main valve to the irrigation system. This prevents new water from flooding the system as you drain the old. Make sure the valve in the double check assembly is closed -- barring water from entering or exiting the valves.
- 5). Attach the hose to the test cock(s). For a capped drain, have the landscape tubing ready to place over the drain once it is open.
- 6). Close off the second valve in the double check assembly, making sure no water is entering the valves from either side. Now uncap the drain or open the test cock ports. If using the drain, place the landscape tubing over the opening and secure it with plastic zip ties or duct tape. Or hold it in place so it stays over the drain while the system empties.
- 7). Open the check valve leading to the irrigation portion of the system. Do not open the valve leading to the water supply. Pressure will allow the water in the system to drain through the test cock or drain port once the valve is open. Allow the system to drain until you see no more water running out. Keep in mind this does not completely winterize your system. Low points in the irrigation lines can still have collected water pooled in them.
- 8). Remove the hose(s) or the landscape tubing. Recap the drain or turn off the test cock ports.
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