Winterize before the first frost, not after it: drain exposed pipework, protect tanks and sensors, and leave the system in a state that can be restarted safely in spring. A system left full of water in exposed pipework is the one that splits.
What Winterizing Means
Winterizing means removing freeze risk from exposed water, protecting the tank and sensors, and recording the shutdown state.
Why Winterizing Matters
Frozen water expands and splits pipework, damages valves and can leave a pump running against a blocked line in spring.
When to Winterize
Winterize before the first expected frost, and again after any early cold snap if shutdown was missed. Restart checks belong in spring, not on the first warm day by guesswork.
Where the Freeze Points Are
Exposed pipework, tank outlets, trough valves, sensor cables and any above-ground section are the freeze points. Buried and submerged sections are less exposed but still need a recorded state.
How to Winterize a Solar Pump System
- Stop the pump and isolate power following the manual.
- Drain exposed pipework and open low-point drains.
- Protect tank outlets and trough valves, and check sensor cables for damage before winter.
- Insulate any exposed section that cannot be drained.
- Record the shutdown state, panel configuration and parameter set, as the 380V commissioning advice recommends recording the set for future service.
- In spring, check for splits and leaks, flush sediment from the tank outlet, test level and dry-run sensors by hand, and confirm rotation and flow at low speed before full running.
Related guides are the seasonal maintenance guide, the IP65 outdoor installation guide, the livestock watering guide, and the QB100-PV solar pump inverter product page.
| Point | Winter action |
|---|---|
| Exposed pipework | Drain, or insulate if it cannot be drained |
| Tank outlet and trough valves | Drain and check before frost |
| Sensor cables and floats | Inspect for damage, protect from stock and ice |
| Check | Pass sign |
|---|---|
| Pipework and valves | No splits, no leaks at first pressure |
| Tank outlet | Flushed, clear flow |
| Level and dry-run sensors | Drive stops and restarts as designed |
| Rotation and flow | Strong flow at low speed |
Frequently asked questions
Do I need to drain a buried pipe?
Buried sections are less exposed, but exposed sections and low points must still be drained or insulated.
Can I leave the system running through winter?
Only if freeze protection for exposed sections is in place and the manual allows it; otherwise shut down in a recorded state.
What should I check first in spring?
Splits and leaks, then sensor tests, then rotation and flow at low speed.
If nothing split last winter, is the system safe to leave the same way this winter?
No: a milder winter proves nothing about the next frost, and pipework and valves age.
Does winterizing mean removing the pump?
Not normally: it means draining exposed water, protecting sensors and recording the state; pump removal is only for a specific service reason.
Send system layout and frost exposure for a winter checklist: contact the IDEEI team.