How to Winterize Your Water Pump

Freezing temperatures in the winter months pose a considerable but entirely avoidable hazard to your water pump. Before the weather gets too cold and water begins to freeze, it's important for water pump owners to take precautions that ensure the proper operation of irrigation pumps, fountain and pond pumps, well pumps, and centrifugal pumps come warmer seasons. During the winter months, temperatures often drop below freezing, and despite the strength and power of your water pump, the frozen water will be quick to crack the casing on your equipment. Rather than leaving your water pumps to brave the winter weather on their own, winterizing your water pump is a surefire way to protect your equipment all season long. 

Winterize Your Water Pump

Winterizing your water pump is surprisingly simple, and only takes a few minutes to complete. A few minutes of work now is better than discovering costly maintenance issues, or worse, the need for a brand new water pump come spring, right? 

Drain and Store

Water pumps in shallow or surface level areas must be winterized for cold weather. Pond and foundation pumps, pool pumps, and irrigation systems must all be drained, and should never be allowed to freeze. In cold weather areas, draining and winterizing an above-ground water system is common sense, but in normally warmer southern states, water pump operators might be more easily caught off guard with a surprise overnight freeze. 

When you're dealing with a jet or centrifugal pump that you're not going to use for a few months, draining the system and moving the pump to a warmer location is the best solution. 

How to Drain the Pump's System 

To drain the pump, remove the drain plug on top of the pump case, or open a faucet. This allows air into the pump body. Then, remove the drain plug on the bottom of the pump case. This allows the water to flow through and out of the pump body. After you've drained the pump, there will still be a bit of remaining water that's stuck in the suction and discharge pipes. Use an air compressor to blow out the excess water.

Running Water

Water will expand as it freezes, and without the space to handle extra volume, the ice will eventually break inside the pump or its piping. In year-round homes, well pumps can often sit idle for long enough that water may freeze solid. If temperatures drop and remain very cold for an extended period of time, allowing a small amount of water to run continuously through above-ground water systems, plumbing, or pump equipment until temperatures rise again can prevent freezing while potentially saving you thousands of dollars in future maintenance or repairs.

Final Steps

To completely protect your water pump against any water that might remain inside the casing even after draining, you'll want to fill the pump body with food-grade polypropylene glycol. Make sure to never use ethylene glycol (or RV anti-freeze) in your water pump as it is extremely dangerous. Insert the bottom drain plug, pour in the propylene glycol through the top port, and reinsert the top drain plug. 

Do All Water Pumps Need to be Winterized?

Water system motors that are used in wells, fountains, and aerators are typically filled with a water based solution. In a deep well, you generally won't need to worry about the motor freezing; however, in fountains or ponds, you'll still need to protect your water pump. If you do choose to remove the pump, store the motor somewhere that it will be completely protected from freezing. Another winter storage option for pond, fountain, and aerator pumps is to sink or weigh the motor to the deepest possible level, ensuring that the motor is placed well below the lowest freeze level.

In the spring, simply complete these steps in reverse order to get your water pump up and running. If required, don't forget to re-prime your water pump. Still have questions about water pump maintenance, or what the best water pump is for your operation? Contact an Absolute Water Pumps specialist today.