Purging Irrigation System: Manual Valve Operation Guide

Photo shows valves with levers and bleed screws. Need instructions for manual open/close for winterizing.

Lever Operation

The lever is a quarter-turn ball valve:

• ON: Lever parallel to pipe (90° turn from OFF)
• OFF: Lever perpendicular to pipe

Bleed Screw Operation

The plastic bleed screw on top of the valve:

• Open: Turn counterclockwise slightly (¼-½ turn) - valve opens
• Close: Turn clockwise snug (don't overtighten - plastic strips easily)
• Warning: Don't unscrew completely - it can eject under pressure

Winterizing Procedure

1. Shut off main water supply
2. Connect air compressor to system (at main or blow-out port)
3. Manually open one zone at a time (lever or bleed screw)
4. Blow out until only air comes from heads
5. Close zone, build pressure, repeat for all zones
6. Leave all valves ~½ open (bleed screw loose) for winter