Texas doesn't get the deep, sustained freezes that northern states do — but that actually makes things harder. Because hard freezes here are unpredictable, many homeowners don't prepare at all. Then a single overnight drop below 28°F cracks a backflow preventer or splits a lateral pipe, and suddenly a $200 repair turns into $800.
What "Winterizing" Actually Means
Winterizing a sprinkler system means removing standing water from the pipes so there's nothing to freeze and expand. There are three methods:
Blow-out method: A compressed air compressor is connected to the system's blow-out port. Each zone is opened individually and air is blown through until no water sprays from the heads. This is the most thorough method and the one we use on every winterization job.
Manual drain: Some systems have manual drain valves at low points. Opening these lets gravity drain the pipes. It works in simple layouts but misses water trapped in uphill sections.
Automatic drain: Higher-end systems have automatic drain valves that open when pressure drops. These are helpful but still benefit from an annual blow-out to catch what the valves miss.
Texas-Specific Timing
In DFW, the window for winterization is typically mid-November through mid-December. In Houston, you have a bit more flexibility — January freezes are less common but not unheard of.
Watch for forecasts showing overnight lows below 32°F for sustained periods. A brief dip to 31°F for two hours won't freeze buried pipes — but 28°F for six hours will.
What to Pay Special Attention To
Backflow preventers are the most vulnerable part of any system. They sit above ground, usually at the side of the house, and have no insulation protecting them from a hard freeze. Even if you don't do a full blow-out, at minimum wrap your backflow preventer with insulation pipe wrap when temperatures threaten to drop.
Valve boxes are another vulnerable point. Make sure the lids are fully seated and not cracked. Water sitting in a valve box that freezes can crack the valve itself.
Controllers in unheated garages can lose their programs in an extended power outage following an ice storm. Take a photo of your zone schedule before winter arrives.
When to Call a Pro
Blow-outs require the right size compressor and technique. Too small a compressor won't clear the pipes. Too large, or holding air in a zone too long, can damage heads and valve diaphragms. If you're not experienced with the process, it's worth calling a licensed irrigator to do it — the cost is well under $100 in most cases.
We winterize hundreds of systems across DFW and the Houston Metro every fall. Call us and we'll get it on the schedule before the first freeze sneaks up on you.