Why Winter Care Still Matters in Houston
Even though Houston winters are generally mild, freezes and cold snaps do occur, and when they do, they can damage sprinkler systems. Water left inside valves, backflow preventers, or above‑ground pipes can freeze, expand, and crack components.
Because of this, winterizing your sprinkler system, or at least protecting key parts, is smart insurance. It not only prevents costly repairs but also helps conserve water and avoid unnecessary irrigation when grass and plants are dormant.
What Triple Green Recommends for Houston Homes
1. Shut Off Water and Drain Above-Ground Components
Turn off the main irrigation shut‑off valve, often near the water meter or irrigation controller.
Drain water from your system, especially from backflow prevention devices or any exposed valves and test ports. Water left inside can freeze and cause damage.
2. Insulate and Protect Exposed Components
Wrap any above-ground backflow preventer, PVC pipe, or metal fittings with insulation, such as foam wrap or a purpose‑made backflow cover.
Be sure not to cover ventilation or test‑cock openings, as they need to remain functional for pressure relief.
3. Turn Off or Put the Controller on “Rain” or “Sleep” Mode
This prevents the system from accidentally activating during a cold snap and drawing in water that could freeze.
4. Skip Watering if Grass Is Dormant or Rain Is Sufficient
Houston often receives enough winter rainfall, and with shorter daylight hours, many lawns hardly need supplemental irrigation. Shutting off sprinklers during dormancy saves water, cuts bills, and reduces risk.
When to Winterize and When You Might Not Need To
If overnight temperatures approach freezing, around 32 °F or 0 °C, it’s time to winterize. Even a single freeze can cause cracks if water is left in the system.
If your sprinkler pipes are buried deeper than the frost line and components are underground, the risk is lower. However, any above-ground or coverless parts, such as backflow preventers or exposed valves, should always be protected.
If the weather stays mild and the system is well-maintained, you may not need a full blow-out like in northern climates. A proper shut-off, drain, and insulation may suffice.
Why Many Houston Homeowners Skip It, and Why That Can Backfire
Because freezes are rare and brief, many assume sprinkler winterizing isn’t necessary. But that’s often when the damage happens, a surprise cold snap catches people off guard, and unprotected valves or backflow preventers get damaged overnight.
Skipping winter prep can lead to:
- Cracked backflow preventers or PVC lines
- Leaking valves or burst pipes
- Expensive spring repairs, often costing several hundred dollars or more
- Water waste or contaminated water due to broken components
Triple Green’s Winter Sprinkler Care: What We Offer
At Triple Green, we provide full winterization and sprinkler protection services for Houston area lawns. Our services include:
- Shutting off water and draining above-ground lines
- Insulating backflow preventers and exposed pipes
- Testing valves and pressure relief components
- Programming controllers to winter or sleep mode
- Optional reactivation services in spring to ensure your system is ready and damage-free
If you’d rather not DIY your winter sprinkler care, our licensed technicians make the process simple and safe, and can save you from costly repairs down the line.
Take a Few Small Steps, Avoid Big Headaches
Houston winters may be milder than northern states, but cold snaps and freezes still happen. Protecting your sprinkler system now, with shut‑off, drainage, and insulation, can prevent costly damage, save water, and give you peace of mind.
If you prefer a professional touch, Triple Green is ready to help. Contact us online or call (832) 821-6042 to schedule your winter sprinkler check‑up and keep your lawn and irrigation safe and ready for spring.
