Irrigation Winterization Resources
Freezing temperatures and extreme winter storms can damage landscape irrigation systems. When water freezes it expands, if there is no room for the expansion to occur the force of expansion is strong enough to cause pipes, valves, fittings and other irrigation components to crack or burst open. Preparing an irrigation system for extreme winter weather can help avoid costly repairs in the spring.
For most of Texas you can follow these simple steps to Winterize an irrigation system and protect it from light to mild freezing events:
- Turn off the irrigation controller,
- Turn off the irrigation system water supply near the water meter or backflow prevention assembly (most irrigation systems have an isolation valve for this purpose),
- Insulate any PVC pipes that are exposed above ground, and
- Drain the water from irrigation components installed above ground such as backflow prevention assemblies.
Below are resources to help guide how to winterize an irrigation system.
Winterizing a Landscape Irrigation System
Winterizing a PVB Backflow Prevention Assembly
Winterizing a Landscape Irrigation System Using the Blow Out Method*
*Note* This method is most commonly used in the Northern United States that experience extreme and/or prolonged freezing conditions where the ground will freeze down to the buried pipelines. Most landscape irrigation systems in Texas are not designed for a blow out.
Additional Winterization Resources from Irrigation Manufacturers
Hunter Industries – Winterizing Your Irrigation System
Rainbird – How Do I Winterize My Irrigation System