Sprinkler Winterization in DFW

The 2021 winter storm taught every DFW homeowner the same lesson: pipes freeze in Texas. Sprinkler systems are especially vulnerable because the lines are shallow (usually 6 to 8 inches deep in our area) and the backflow preventer sits above ground, fully exposed.

When to Winterize

Late November to early December. You want to get it done before the first hard freeze, which in North Texas can hit anytime from late November through January. Don't wait until there's a freeze warning in the forecast. By then, every irrigation company in DFW is booked solid and you're on a waiting list.

We start scheduling winterizations in October. Most of our customers are done by Thanksgiving.

What the Process Looks Like

There are two methods: manual drain and blow-out. In DFW, we use the blow-out method. An air compressor pushes all the water out of the lines, valves, and heads. This takes about 30 to 45 minutes for a typical residential system.

We also insulate the backflow preventer. That's the brass assembly sticking up near your water meter. It's the first thing to crack in a freeze. A foam cover or wrap costs a few bucks and can save you a $300 to $500 replacement.

What Happens If You Skip It

Water expands 9% when it freezes. That's enough to crack PVC pipe, split copper fittings, and blow the seals on your backflow preventer. After the 2021 storm, we replaced backflow preventers for months. Some customers had cracked mainlines that required digging up the yard to repair.

A winterization visit costs $75 to $125. A busted backflow preventer costs $350+. Cracked mainlines start at $500 and go up from there. The math is simple.

DIY Winterization

You can do it yourself if you own an air compressor that puts out at least 80 PSI and 10 CFM. Shut off the water supply to the system, open the drain valves, then blow out each zone one at a time for about two minutes per zone. Don't exceed 80 PSI on PVC systems or you risk cracking fittings.

The backflow preventer: turn both test cocks to a 45-degree angle (halfway between open and closed) to let any trapped water drain. Then wrap it.

Spring Startup

When March rolls around and you're ready to turn the system back on, do it slowly. Close the drain valves, turn the water supply on gradually (a quarter turn at a time over a few minutes), and run each zone manually while you walk the yard. Look for heads that aren't popping up, geysers where a head cracked, or soggy spots that indicate a line leak.

We offer spring startups for the same price as winterization. Walk the whole system with you, adjust heads, fix anything that broke over winter.