How to Winterize Your Sprinkler System in Texas (Without Using Compressed Air)

When temperatures drop in North Texas, it’s important to protect your sprinkler system from freezing. Even a light freeze can cause damage if water is trapped in exposed areas. The good news is — you can handle a basic winterization yourself with just a few steps.

Here’s a quick guide to help you do it safely and effectively.

1. Locate Your Backflow Preventer

Most homes in our area have an in-ground double check backflow preventer. It’s typically located near the water meter, a well head, or in a flower bed. You’ll usually find it inside a rectangular green box buried just below the surface.

Some homes may also have an above-ground backflow preventer, often found in the same areas or along the side of the house.

Tip: Take a photo before you begin shutting valves off so you know how everything was positioned originally.

2. Shut Off the Water Supply

Turn the main shut-off handle on your backflow a quarter turn until it’s perpendicular (crossing) the pipe — that means the water is off.

If your system has a separate irrigation shut-off near the meter, you can use that instead.

This stops new water from entering your sprinkler lines during winter.

3. Drain the System

After the water supply is shut off, you’ll want to get as much water out of the lines as possible.

Turn your sprinkler controller to “Manual” and run each zone for a short time — about 30 seconds to a minute per zone.

This helps release standing water from the lines and heads. You don’t need to get every drop out; the goal is just to get most of the water out to reduce the risk of freezing near the surface.

Once you’re done, turn the controller off so it doesn’t run during the winter.

4. Insulate Exposed Parts

Use pipe insulation or foam covers to protect any exposed sections of pipe, fittings, or your backflow preventer.

If your backflow is above ground, wrap it completely and cover it with an insulation bag or towel inside the protective box.

This simple step helps prevent cracks and leaks during a freeze.

Prefer a Professional Winterization?

If you’d rather have peace of mind knowing it’s done right, Willingham Irrigation offers professional winterization for just $85.

Our service includes:

Shutting off the backflow and water supply

Running each zone to drain as much water as possible

Insulating exposed piping and backflow preventers

We also offer Service Plans for year-round protection:

Silver Plan – $20/month: Includes winterization, spring start-up, free visits, 10% off upgrades/materials & Christmas lights, Hydrawise monitoring & reports, and an extra year of warranty.

Gold Plan – $40/month: Adds a midsummer check-up, 15% discount, two-year extended warranty, and 50% off Christmas light rehang.

While our process greatly reduces freeze risk, extreme weather can still cause damage. Willingham Irrigation cannot be responsible for damage caused by severe or prolonged freezes.

Ready to Winterize Your System?

📅 Schedule online at will-irr.com

📱 Or text (940) 468-9178 to get on the list before the first freeze.

Willingham Irrigation

Benbrook · Fort Worth · North Texas cities

Licensed Irrigator #LI0030140