While Texas winters are generally mild, freezing temperatures do happen, and when they do, your irrigation system could be at risk. At Smart Earth Sprinklers, we believe in protecting your system without fully shutting it down, so you can continue irrigating smartly through the winter.
Here’s how to protect your investment from freeze damage while keeping your system ready to go all season long.
Above-Ground Backflow Prevention Assemblies (BPAs)
Above-ground BPAs are the most vulnerable part of your irrigation system. You can shut off and drain them every time a hard freeze is forecast, but that’s not very practical.
A Better Way: Insulate It and Keep It Operational
Wrapping and insulating your BPA helps prevent:
- Cracked pipes and valves
- Warping or seal damage
- Freezing water inside the assembly
What to Use:
- Self-stick foam insulation tape
- Foam pipe wrap, secured with heavy rubber tape
- Fiberglass pipe wrap (covered with waterproof tape)
Pro Tip: Avoid covering drain outlets or air vents.
Add an Insulating Pouch:
Use a waterproof insulation pouch made specifically for backflow preventers. It should have an opening at the bottom for airflow and drainage. Secure it with stakes to keep it in place on windy days.
For even more protection, and better curb appeal, add a decorative insulated enclosure that resembles a rock. These blend into your landscape while offering year-round protection.
Emergency Freeze Protection (When You’re Caught Off Guard)
Didn’t get to winterize in time? Use household items as a quick backup:
- Wrap your BPA in old towels, sweatshirts, or fleece
- Secure the wrap with duct tape
- Cover with a heavy-duty garbage bag
- Top it off with a plastic trash can for extra insulation
This is temporary, but it works in a pinch.
Irrigation Pipes
Good news: In Texas, you don’t need to blow out your underground lines. Most are buried below the frost line (8–12 inches deep), which offers natural insulation.
Above-Ground Pipes Still Need Protection
Use:
- Foam insulation tubes
- Self-sticking insulation tape
Irrigation Valves
Most valves are in underground boxes, which offer natural freeze protection. Just make sure:
- Lids are in place
- Boxes aren’t cracked or missing
If your isolation valve is above ground, wrap it in foam insulation and cover with a heavy plastic bag.
Controllers
Manual Controllers:
Use the seasonal adjust feature to reduce winter run times (30–50% of summer settings is a good start).
Smart/WiFi Controllers:
Many weather-based controllers automatically adjust run times using:
- Historical weather data
- Real-time on-site sensors
- Daily weather forecasts
If you’ve overseeded your lawn, continue regular watering. If your lawn is dormant, watering once or twice a month will help:
- Keep roots healthy
- Insulate the soil
- Reduce cold damage
Bonus: Running the system occasionally also:
- Clears algae and debris from pipes
- Flushes out insects and eggs
- Lubricates internal seals
Rain & Freeze Sensors
Rain Sensors:
- Prevent wasteful overwatering during winter rains
- Required by TCEQ for all new or updated systems
Freeze Sensors:
- Automatically pause watering when temps drop (usually around 37°F)
- Often combined with rain sensors
- May be required by local ordinance
Don’t have one? We highly recommend adding this affordable upgrade.
When a Hard Freeze is Forecast
According to Texas A&M, a hard freeze means temps hit 28°F or lower and stay below freezing long enough to freeze vegetation and standing water. Here’s how to prep:
- Turn off water at the isolation valve
- Shut down the controller
Use “off,” “rain delay,” or “suspend” features - Inspect check-valve sprinklers
Remove and shake out any trapped water - Flush drip lines
Open flush clips or loosen end caps to let water drain - Drain filters
Loosen filter caps and clean the screens/discs
Stay Ready, Stay Protected
You don’t have to shut down your irrigation system for the whole winter in Texas, but you do need to take precautions. Protect above-ground components, adjust your controller, and keep your system healthy with occasional use.
If you want expert help preparing your system for the season, our Freeze Prep Service is just $165 for up to 9 zones.
Click below to book your winter service today and avoid expensive repairs later.
Contact Smart Earth Sprinklers and Book Your Winter Freeze Prep Now!
