This information was put together by our distributor Ferguson Enterprises of Wisconsin, a state very familiar with extreme winters. For optimum performance Ferguson provided tips that have worked for their cold weather climate.
- All waterlines should be buried one foot below your regional average frost line. If installing beneath a driveway or well traveled path, this should be extended further down and protected with rigid insulation directly on top of the waterline as frost will be pushed deeper during the winter months from the travel above.
- Waterlines should be 160 psi HDPE or greater at a minimum of 3/4 inch for a unti with a 1/2 inch valve.
- Waterlines for units with 3/4 inch valves should be no smaller than 1 inch also of 160 psi or greater HDPE
- Stainless steel hose clamps and galvanized fitting are recommended at all waterline connections other than the final rubber hose length which utilizes plastic barbed fittings.
- PEX works well for the final run up the thermal tubes as it is durable in the event of a frozen condition and can be purchased in straight lengths.
- A ball valve should be installed a teach waterer for stopping the flow of water and servicing purposes.
- After installation of water lines is complete the water should be turned on and allowed to run for at least a minute to make sure all foreign material in the line can be blown out prior to hooking the waterline up to the valve.
Thank you Jeremy at Ferguson Enterprises 800-950-4882 for providing this very helpful information.
