WINTERIZATION &
SPRING STARTUP
Texas winters are usually mild, until they aren't. A hard freeze can crack backflow preventers, exposed pipe and valves in a single night. We prepare your system for cold weather in the fall and bring it back carefully in spring, checking every zone so small problems don't turn into summer surprises.
WHAT SEASONAL SERVICE COVERS
In colder parts of the country, winterization means blowing every drop of water out of the system. In much of Texas, the approach is usually different. Most buried pipe sits below the typical frost depth, but above-ground parts, like the backflow preventer and exposed supply pipe, are vulnerable when temperatures drop well below freezing.
Our winter prep focuses on those vulnerable parts: shutting off and draining the backflow assembly when appropriate, insulating exposed pipe and fittings, setting the controller for winter and making sure a freeze sensor is working. We also show you how to shut off and drain the system yourself before a hard freeze.
Spring startup reverses the process carefully. Turning water back on too quickly can cause pressure surges, and freeze damage often doesn't show until the system is pressurized. We restore water slowly, check the backflow preventer, run every zone and fix what winter broke.
Timing is the tricky part in Texas. A week of warm weather can be followed by a sudden cold snap, so we build in a plan for the in-between: what to shut off, what to cover and when it's safe to turn things back on.
Signs You Need Seasonal Service
- A hard freeze is in the forecast
- Your backflow preventer sits above ground, uninsulated
- You're not sure how to shut off the irrigation water
- Water leaking from the backflow after a cold snap
- The system hasn't run since last fall
- Weak pressure or geysers on the first spring run
- Controller still set to a summer schedule
- Dry spots appearing as spring growth starts
HOW WINTER PREP AND SPRING STARTUP WORK
Each visit follows a checklist so nothing gets missed.
Fall: Inspect & Adjust
We check the backflow preventer, exposed pipe and controller, and set the schedule for cooler weather so the lawn isn't overwatered in winter.
Fall: Protect Exposed Parts
We insulate the backflow preventer and exposed pipe, and confirm the freeze sensor is connected and active.
Before a Hard Freeze
When appropriate, the irrigation supply is shut off and the backflow assembly drained. We show you how to do this yourself when a freeze is forecast.
Spring: Restore Water Slowly
We open the supply gradually to avoid pressure surges, check the backflow preventer for cracks and leaks and confirm shutoff handles are set correctly.
Spring: Run Every Zone
Each zone is run and inspected for broken heads, leaks, weeping valves and coverage problems caused by winter or overgrowth.
Spring: Program for the Season
We set a spring schedule and review sensors, then recommend any repairs so the system is ready before summer heat.
SEASONAL SERVICES WE OFFER
Choose the service that fits your system and schedule, or combine them for year-round coverage.
Freeze Protection
Insulating covers for backflow preventers and exposed pipe, plus guidance on shutting off and draining before severe cold.
Winter Scheduling
Controller set for cooler months, with lower run times and fewer watering days to match reduced plant demand.
Freeze Sensor Check
A working freeze sensor keeps the system from running on icy mornings. See rain & freeze sensors.
Spring Startup
Careful restart, backflow check and zone-by-zone inspection so problems are found early.
Freeze Damage Repair
Cracked backflow assemblies, split pipe and damaged valves repaired or replaced. See backflow repair.
Pair With an Audit
Combine spring startup with a full system audit and tune-up for a complete checkup.
FREEZE DAMAGE HIDES UNTIL SPRING
A cracked backflow preventer or split pipe often doesn't show any sign until water pressure returns. That's why the first spring run is important. Turning everything on at once and walking away can leave a leak running for hours. A careful startup catches damage right away.
Winter also changes the yard. Heads get buried by leaves and turf growth, beds get replanted, and the ground shifts. Spring startup is the right time to reset coverage, clean nozzles and check that valves aren't weeping, which helps prevent soggy spots that get mistaken for drainage problems.
Seasonal service is also a good checkpoint for your schedule. Summer run times left in place through fall and winter can waste water and keep soil soggy, while spring schedules that start too late leave lawns stressed as the heat builds.
What We Look For at Startup
- Cracks and leaks at the backflow preventer
- Split pipe at exposed or shallow sections
- Heads buried, tilted or broken over winter
- Valves weeping after sitting idle
- Controller clock, battery and program
- Sensor operation for rain and freeze
WHAT YOU CAN DO BEFORE A FREEZE
Know where your irrigation shutoff valve is. On many Texas homes it's near the backflow preventer or at the water meter. Before a hard freeze, turn it off and set the controller to off or rain mode so it doesn't try to run.
Insulate the backflow preventer with a cover designed for it, or wrap it and exposed pipe with insulating material. Don't use anything that traps moisture against the brass for long periods.
After the freeze passes, don't rush to turn everything back on. Look for visible cracks or leaks, restore water slowly and watch for problems, or have us handle startup for you.
For properties with pools, outdoor kitchens or other exposed plumbing, it's worth making a cold-weather checklist that covers all of it, not just the sprinklers.
If you're away during winter, it's especially important to have a plan. Leaving the system shut off and the backflow protected while the house is empty prevents a freeze-related leak from running unnoticed for days.
WINTERIZATION & SPRING STARTUP ACROSS OUR TEXAS SERVICE AREAS
We provide sprinkler winterization, freeze protection and spring startup throughout our Texas service areas, including Dallas-Fort Worth and Houston Metro communities as well as the Austin and San Antonio areas. We tailor seasonal service to local conditions, from North Texas cold snaps to milder Gulf Coast winters. See all the cities we serve or request service online.
WINTERIZATION & SPRING STARTUP FAQ
MORE WAYS WE PROTECT YOUR YARD
Backflow Testing & Repair
Backflow assemblies tested, repaired and replaced to protect your water.
Learn moreRain & Freeze Sensors
Sensors that stop your system from running in rain or freezing weather.
Learn moreSystem Audit & Tune-Up
A zone-by-zone check of coverage, pressure, scheduling and repairs.
Learn moreFREEZE ON
THE WAY?
Let us protect your system before the cold and bring it back safely in spring.