Making Gardena Micro-Drip winterproof: this is how it works

The Gardena Micro-Drip irrigation system enables economical and precise water supply on the balcony, in the bed or in the entire garden. With our instructions you will make the micro-drip-system fit for the winter.

Take the drainage valves into account when planning

It is worthwhile to keep an eye on the cold season when planning the irrigation system. To avoid frost damage, the line should be empty. The easiest way to empty it is to allow for a slight incline when laying the drip pipes. An angle of 10 degrees is enough to let the water flow under the influence of its own weight.

Did you know that the Gardena irrigation hoses have to be laid at a depth of 10 to 20 centimeters?
Drain valves are mandatory for every irrigation system so that the pipe empties automatically after every irrigation. Gardena offers valves as T-pieces and as end pieces.

Install valves correctly

Installation is tool-free according to the patented system. An intermediate piece must be fitted per line and an end piece at the end of the hose. Make sure that the end pieces are always attached to the lowest point of the respective line.
The task of these valves is to remove the excess water from the drip hoses after each watering. The drainage valves open when the water pressure drops, and the water residues get into the surrounding soil. Embed the valves in gravel for optimal drainage.

Tip: If your irrigation system is installed on a hillside, drainage valves must be installed every 2 meters.

Drain the system, remove accessories

Before the first frost, you must completely drain the Gardena Micro-Drip irrigation system. To do this, the system must be disconnected from the water supply and all shut-off valves must be opened. If the system is correctly installed, the water will drain completely after a while. The shut-off valves remain open over the winter.
The basic unit, the spray nozzles and the control electronics - if present - are not frost-proof. Dismantle the accessories after the end of the gardening season and store them frost-free and dry.

Note: The open pipe ends of the water pipe and the open ends of the basic device must be closed with special plugs. Otherwise there is a risk of a Ant colony at home or move in other insects.

Winterize Gardena Micro-Drip for potted plants

Such irrigation systems are compact and therefore easy to use. Before the start of the cold season, you must disconnect the system from the water pipe, dismantle the basic device and manually drain the installation pipes by changing the angle of inclination. The open end of the line must be closed with a plug. Store the hose in a frost-free and dry place in a shed or cellar.

Instructions for blowing out the irrigation system

If the pipes and hoses are lying without a discernible angle of inclination, water may still remain in the line despite the presence of drainage valves. By blowing out with a compressor, you ensure that the line is free of water.
How to do it:

1. Disconnect the system from the water pipe
2. Remove the base unit
3. Remove the sprinklers, drippers and other nozzles
4. Open the shut-off valves
5. Connect the compressor to the irrigation system using a compressed air connection
6. Set the air pressure to a maximum of 3.5 bar or less
7. Turn on the compressor
8. Leave the compressor switched on until no more water comes out of the line

Tip: There is a risk of injury even when blowing out with minimal pressure. Keep away from the pipes and any exit points as much as possible. Wear protective glasses.

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