Seasonal Sprinkler System Adjustments for Austin

Seasonal Sprinkler System Adjustments for Austin

As Austin’s climate shifts with the seasons, your sprinkler system requires attention to remain efficient, prevent damage, and conserve water. Adjusting your system for different weather conditions—like the rainy season or cooler months—helps ensure your lawn stays healthy while avoiding unnecessary water usage. Below, we’ll guide you through seasonal adjustments, from preparing for Austin’s rainy season to making changes for the winter.

Should You Stop Watering Your Lawn in The Winter?

In other parts of the country, it might be necessary to completely shut off your sprinkler system to protect it from getting damaged during an icy winter. But in many of the southern states, including Texas, this isn’t recommended since the winters are far more temperate.

Therefore, we advise you to keep watering your lawn throughout most of the winter months to make sure it stays healthy. Remember, your lawn doesn’t need as much water as it did during the height of summer. Instead of turning it off entirely, you should set your controller to the lowest possible setting.

Another reason why you need to keep your sprinklers on during the winter is that it protects the longevity of your system. Shutting off the water supply entirely for long periods severely reduces the lifespan of the components, which require water to remain lubricated.

Many of the seals are made of rubber, which perishes and/or cracks when dried out for long periods. When rubber begins to perish, it becomes sticky. This can result in some of your watering zones failing to activate properly, leading to additional problems down the line.

How to Adjust Your Sprinkler System for the Rainy Season

Austin typically sees its rainy season in the fall, which is a perfect time to reduce unnecessary watering. Here are some steps to adjust your system for the rain:

  1. Use the “Rain Delay” Function: Most modern sprinkler systems have a rain delay option. This allows you to pause the watering schedule for a few days after significant rainfall.
  2. Install Rain Sensors: Rain sensors automatically shut off your system when it starts raining, resuming only when the soil needs it again. This prevents overwatering and helps reduce water waste.
  3. Adjust the Controller: Decrease watering frequency and duration during the rainy season. Your lawn will not need as much water when it’s already receiving moisture from regular rainfall.
  4. Monitor Soil Moisture: Manually check soil moisture levels to avoid overwatering. If the soil is still moist from rain, skip the scheduled irrigation.

By making these small adjustments, you can conserve water and prevent issues like root rot or soil erosion, which can occur from too much moisture.

How to Adjust Your Sprinkler System for Colder Temperatures

As the cooler months approach, your lawn and plants require less water, but that doesn’t mean you should ignore your sprinkler system. Here’s how to prepare your irrigation for Austin’s colder temperatures:

  1. Reduce Watering Frequency: Since cooler weather means slower evaporation, your lawn won’t need as much water. Adjust your system to water less frequently, typically every 7-10 days.
  2. Monitor Local Weather: Some Austin winters are mild, while others bring cold snaps. Adjust your system based on the forecast to avoid unnecessary watering or freezing hazards.

When Do I Need to Shut Off the Water?

The only time it is necessary to completely shut off your sprinkler system in Texas is if freezing temperatures are forecast, which is usually only for a few days each winter. You would want to shut the water off only if the temperature is going to drop low enough so that you have to prevent pipe freezing. If water remains in the pipes during a freeze, it can expand and cause cracks or burst pipes. Shutting off the water reduces this risk. 

How Do I Turn Off My Water Supply?

If you do need to turn off your water supply during the coldest days of winter, it’s important that you know how to do it.

You’ll want to access the below-ground shut-off valve called the double-check assembly (DCA). Or in some water districts the above-ground shut-off valve, also known as the reduced pressure zone (RPZ).

Reduced Pressure Zone

While not as common, the RPZ can be located by looking for a vertical pipe that protrudes from the ground. The most common place for this to be found is somewhere along the side of the house. If you’re not sure where to start looking, check near any outside faucets or near your water meter.

In some cases, the last sprinkler maintenance technician or installer who worked on your system may have wrapped the assembly in insulation or hidden it under a faux rock for aesthetic purposes.

Once you have found the RPZ, you’ll see two handles attached. These handles are used to control the shut-off valves on either side of the device—one on the inlet and one on the outlet. You will need to turn both of these handles about a quarter turn to shut off the water supply to your sprinklers.

If you need to remove any insulation to access the RPZ, be sure to reapply afterward to protect the device throughout the winter.

Double Check Assembly

The most common type of shut-off valve in the Austin/Round Rock area is a DCA, which is housed inside a rectangular green box. Usually, this device is situated near the shut-off for your home water supply and the water meter. It can be tricky finding this box, as it might be overgrown by grass or covered in mulch. To locate it, you might want to try poking the ground in the vicinity of the water meter with a long screwdriver until you hear a hollow sound and feel something solid.

Once you’ve found the box, you will need to open it and look inside for a brass device that, like the RPZ, has two handles. These handles are attached to the shut-off valves on either side of the device—one at the inlet and one at the outlet. These shut-off valves are used to isolate the DCA for maintenance, testing, or repairs.

Unlike the RPZ, however, you only need to turn one of the two handles vertically to shut off the water supply. The handle might be a bit stiff, so it’s helpful to have a pair of pliers on hand to help you turn it.

Once you’ve turned the handle and successfully shut off the water supply, you would wrap the backflow preventer with insulation and cover that with a waterproof covering and secure it in place. Also, if you have an isolation valve that is above ground, it too, needs to be well wrapped with foam insulation. To read more about this step see Winterizing Your Irrigation / Sprinkler System.

Why Get Your Sprinkler System Maintained Before the Colder Temperatures Arrive?

Regular maintenance before winter ensures your system is in top condition and prevents any costly repairs when you turn it back on in the spring. Here’s why it’s essential:

  • Check for Leaks: A small leak can become a major problem when the water freezes and expands in the pipes. Pre-winter maintenance catches these issues early.
  • Proper Adjustments: Your technician can help you adjust the system for the winter months, ensuring your lawn gets the right amount of water without waste.
  • Extend System Lifespan: Routine maintenance prevents long-term damage, extending the life of your system and avoiding costly repairs or replacements.

Additional Tips from Smart Earth Sprinklers

  • Upgrade to a Smart Controller: A smart irrigation controller can automatically adjust the watering schedule based on local weather forecasts and soil moisture levels. This can help optimize water usage year-round, making seasonal adjustments easier and more precise.
  • Consider Rain Sensors: Rain sensors can prevent overwatering by measuring rainfall and adjusting the system accordingly.
  • Check Your Backflow Prevention Device: Austin requires backflow prevention devices to be installed and maintained. Before the winter season, ensure yours is functioning properly to prevent contamination of the water supply.

For more information on seasonal sprinkler adjustments or to schedule a professional maintenance visit, check out Smart Earth Sprinklers’ services at smartearthsprinklers.com. To schedule service give us a call at (512) 694-1147 or contact us online. 

More Blogs