Best Practices to Protect Your Irrigation System This Winter
Triple Green Irrigation & Drainage
Houston may not experience the long, harsh winters seen in the Northeast or Midwest, but our region does face sudden cold snaps and occasional hard freezes. These temperature drops, especially overnight lows below 32°F, can put unexpected stress on your sprinkler system.
December is the ideal time to make sure your irrigation system is protected, optimized, and ready for whatever winter brings. At Triple Green, we help homeowners prepare their sprinklers the right way, without unnecessary steps that don’t apply to Texas climates.
Does Houston Need Sprinkler Winterization?
Yes… but not the same type of full winterization used up north. Houston’s winters are mild, but the freeze events we do get can still:
- Crack PVC pipes
- Burst backflow preventers
- Damage valves and fittings
- Create leaks that go unnoticed until spring
- Reduce water pressure or cause system failure
The goal in our climate is winter preparation, not a complete seasonal shutdown.
Essential Winter Sprinkler Maintenance Checklist
1. Insulate Your Backflow Preventer
Your backflow is the most vulnerable part of your sprinkler system. Cold snaps can freeze and rupture it quickly.
- Wrap it with insulation
- Use an insulated cover
- Make sure the cover fits securely
Triple Green can check your backflow preventer and ensure it’s properly protected.
2. Inspect for Hidden Leaks Before a Freeze
Small leaks that go unnoticed in warm weather can become major problems during winter.
Our technicians inspect:
- Valve boxes
- PVC lines
- Sprinkler heads
- Zone connections
- Fittings and couplers
Catching issues early = avoiding freeze damage later.
3. Adjust Your Watering Schedule for Winter
Houston typically needs less water in December, but not zero water.
We recommend:
- Reducing watering time
- Watering less frequently
- Turning off the system temporarily if a freeze is predicted
- Re-running the system after cold events to check for damage
Triple Green programs your controller for ideal winter settings.
4. Protect Pipes and Exposed Components
Any above-ground irrigation parts should be insulated or covered.
This may include:
- Exposed piping
- Vacuum breakers
- Backflow assemblies
- Any outdoor valves
A simple protective cover can prevent hundreds of dollars in freeze repairs.
5. Freeze-Ready System Inspection
Before a cold snap hits, our technicians confirm:
- Zones drain correctly
- No heads are stuck open
- Pressure is normal
- The controller is updated
- Sensors are working
This ensures your system can handle sudden drops in temperature.
Should You Fully Shut Down Your Sprinkler System in Houston?
In most Houston homes, full winterization is not necessary, but during certain extreme freezes, it may be recommended.
A Triple Green technician will guide you on:
- When to turn the system off
- Whether your home needs a drain-down
- How to protect key components during a hard freeze
Join Triple Green’s Year-Round Maintenance Plan
Save Money. Prevent Repairs. Protect Your System.
The best way to protect your irrigation system—winter, spring, summer, and fall—is with our Maintenance Plan.
With a Triple Green membership, you’ll receive:
- Seasonal system inspections
- Winter readiness prep
- Controller adjustments
- Leak detection
- Priority scheduling
- Discounts on repairs
- Full optimization all year long
Learn more and sign up: https://triplegreentx.com/home/services/#plans
Schedule Your Winter Sprinkler Maintenance Today
Cold weather can hit Houston fast—don’t wait until the freeze warning appears.
Triple Green is here to help you:
- Avoid freeze damage
- Keep your sprinkler system performing at its best
- Save money on costly spring repairs
- Protect your landscape year-round
Call now to schedule your winterization visit, call (832) 821-6042. Let’s keep your system protected this winter—no matter what Houston’s weather brings.
