Tips for winterizing aggregate equipment

Winter has a way of doing its worst to idle equipment – including pumps. But these steps can prevent damage:

1. Remove all standing water.

2. Protect or cover all electrical components and wire leads. Although not thought of much, the sun itself can damage equipment.

The addition of a third step can go a long way to ensure equipment is ready to run when needed, as well:

3. Cover rubber and urethane parts to prevent ultraviolet damage. Pumps have a distinct issue because of the possibility of residual water contained within. With freezing temperatures, water increases its volume – in the form of ice – by about 9 percent under atmospheric pressure. Without room to expand, it will apply forces to the pump casing and may cause damage.

If a unit has a drain plug, the solution is fairly easy: The removable plug allows the water to be drained while leaving the piping for the system in place.

In situations when a pump does not have a drain plug or the pump is rotated for a different discharge orientation, the best course of action is to crack open the casing. To crack open the casing, it is often necessary to remove the suction piping and the discharge piping to allow enough of an opening to ensure complete draining.

Information courtesy of McLanahan Corp.