What is the first step to winterize large spray equipment against freezing?

To effectively winterize large spray equipment against freezing, the initial step should be to drain the chemical from the tank. This is crucial because leaving chemicals in the tank can lead to a variety of issues when temperatures drop, including potential damage to the equipment and the risk of chemical degradation. Additionally, many chemicals can become hazardous when subjected to freezing temperatures, creating the possibility of burst hoses or tanks due to the expansion of frozen liquid.

Removing these chemicals also prevents contamination and prepares the system for the subsequent processes of cleaning and protecting it from future freezing. After draining the tank, other steps, such as inspecting hoses for damages, adding water and antifreeze, and running an antifreeze and water mixture through the hoses, can be executed to fully prepare the equipment for winter storage. However, these processes should follow the initial step of completely draining the chemicals from the system. This step ensures that any chemical residue does not interfere with the protective measures taken afterward.