Properly disassembling and winterizing your system is essential to it's longevity. Improper winterizing will lead to freeze ups, breakage and the need to replace items at a time where time is money. A solenoid or other part that has frozen and cracked as a result may take a few hours to a whole day to track down, assemble and install into your system. For a person who is not mechanically inclined, this may be a daunting task. For others, it may just be an inconvenience, but one that can be avoided by just following a few simple steps.

These instructions should cover most misting systems. Your system may differ slightly from the one I describe, but the basics steps should apply. For individuals that may have a tough time remembering how the system goes together, a photo or simple diagram may be needed.

• Step 1. Unplug the timer! Turn off the water to the hose that feeds your system. This may be the spigot from your house or other location.


• Step 2. Disconnect all hoses attached to your system, and drain them. These should be the connections to your filter, solenoid, manifold, and any other hose connection you may have. Some people may choose at this point to disconnect the wires to the solenoid to make storage easier, but it is not necessary. If you choose to remove the wires, twist the wire nuts onto the ends of the solenoid wires so they don't get lost. For those of you that are worried about reconnecting the wires wrong, be assured that 12 and 24 volt solenoids cannot be wired wrong. It does not matter which wire goes where. Be sure to dump or shake out any water from the solenoid. If equipped, turn the little bypass lever on your solenoid to help drain all the water.


• Step 3. Depending on the type of mist heads you have, you will need to do one of the following: Remove pins from Mist heads or if needed, remove head by unscrewing. Let the heads drain. Shake the heads if needed to remove water. replace pins or heads before they get misplaced.


• Step 4. All your mist system components that cannot be allowed to freeze should be stored in a heated environment. A closet, under a bed, etc. If you can find a box that all components will fit in, do so. There is less likelihood of something turning up missing in the spring. This box is a great place to place the photo or diagram you made. Before placing the items in the box, it is a good idea to thoroughly clean everything so when it comes time to reinstall everything in the spring, it will be clean and ready to go. This is also a good time to replace the timer batteries if equipped to maintain the program for next year, however be aware that batteries do leak and you should check on them periodically through the winter.


• Step 5. This step doesn't really apply to the system per se; but please be sure to remove your garden hose from the hose spigot attached to your house, garage, or wherever it is. Even today's modern Frost free/ freeze proof faucets WILL freeze if a hose is left attached. An unneeded and costly repair can be avoided if you follow this step. For folks who have underground hose/piping that supplies your system, I offer this advice: These hoses/pipes should be drained by attaching an air compressor to the hose and blowing the water out. DO NOT over pressurize your hoses or lines! After blowing them out, as added insurance, you can add RV antifreeze to these lines. CAUTION!!!! RV antifreeze IS NOT the green or red automobile antifreeze! RV antifreeze is non toxic antifreeze that is used in RV water tanks, waste tanks, etc when they are drained for the winter. Again, NOT the kind you put in your car radiator which is highly toxic and deadly to animals and humans if ingested. RV antifreeze can be purchased at WalMart in the RV section, or ask a plumber.

If you follow these simple steps, you will eliminate the possibility of your system breaking down just as you need to put it to use in the spring.