How to Protect your Sprinkler System

Stay warm out there, Texas! We know that when the forecast starts mentioning "freezing temps," homeowners from the Bayou City to the Hill Country start to feel a little bit of that "Winter Storm Uri" anxiety.

At Simply Sprinkler of Texas, we’re not just your irrigation experts—we’re your neighbors. We want to make sure your yard survives the cold without any "surprise geysers" when things thaw out. Here’s a simple, stress-free guide to protecting your sprinklers in Houston and Austin.

1. Wrap Your Pipes Like a Burrito 🌯

Your backflow preventer (that brass device sticking out of the ground) is the most sensitive part of your system. If water freezes inside it, the metal can crack like an egg.

The Friendly Fix: Grab some foam insulation or even a few old, thick towels. Wrap the pipes snugly and secure them with duct tape.

Pro Tip: Cover the whole thing with a heavy-duty trash bag or a "faucet sock" to keep moisture out. It’s like a winter coat for your plumbing!

2. The "Handshake" Position (45 Degrees)

Those little handles on your backflow device? They hate being fully closed or fully open during a freeze because water gets trapped inside the valve.

The Friendly Fix: Turn the handles to a 45-degree angle (halfway). This lets the internal parts "breathe" and prevents ice from building up enough pressure to break the valve.

3. Let the Pressure Out

In Austin, our freezes can be a bit more stubborn than in Houston. It helps to give your pipes a little breathing room.

Step 1: Turn off the main water supply to the sprinklers (usually in a green box near the street).

Step 2: Go to your controller and run a "Manual Start" for any zone for just a minute. Since the water is off, this just lets the leftover pressure escape. Think of it as a deep exhale for your irrigation system!

4. Don't Just Unplug It!

It’s tempting to pull the plug on your controller to save power, but that can sometimes wipe out your custom watering schedules.

The Better Way: Simply turn the dial to "Off" or "Rain Mode." This keeps your settings safe but ensures your sprinklers don't turn on and create an accidental ice skating rink on your driveway.

5. Give Your Grass a Drink First

Believe it or not, wet soil stays warmer than dry soil!

The Strategy: Give your lawn a good watering about 24 hours before the freeze hits. It helps insulate the roots and keeps your plants cozy. Just make sure you're all finished and have the system drained before the thermometer hits 32°F.