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As the Houston area transitions from the long, hot summer into the cooler months, your irrigation system needs careful attention. Even though Houston winters are relatively mild, unexpected cold snaps can still damage pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads if the system isn’t properly adjusted and protected. Preparing your irrigation system now prevents costly repairs, saves water, and keeps your landscape healthy all year long. Below is a practical, step-by-step guide from PLS Landscaping, your local Houston irrigation and landscape experts, on how to adjust your watering schedule, inspect your system, and winterize it before the next freeze. Adjust Your Irrigation Schedule for Fall and Winter A. Reduce Watering Frequency Once daily temperatures drop below the mid-80s, grass and plants slow their growth and require less moisture. Continuing a summer watering schedule can cause soggy soil, fungus, and wasted water.
B. Water During the Right Hours Run irrigation systems between 7:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. to allow moisture to absorb before the sun rises fully and temperatures rise. This timing also reduces the risk of water freezing overnight on colder mornings. C. Use Smart Weather-Based Controllers Many modern controllers such as Rain Bird, Hunter Hydrawise, or Rachio offer seasonal adjustments. Program yours for a “Rain Delay” or “Seasonal Adjust” mode to automatically reduce watering based on rainfall and temperature forecasts. Inspect Valves, Sprinkler Heads, and Backflow Devices A. Check for Leaks or Overspray Manually run each zone and look for signs of water pooling, low pressure, or broken sprinkler heads. These issues wastewater and can worsen when temperatures fluctuate. B. Clean Nozzles and Filters Houston’s hard water often leaves mineral deposits that restrict spray patterns. Remove nozzles and filters, rinse with clean water, and reinstall. C. Examine Your Backflow Preventer This critical component keeps contaminants out of your home’s drinking water. Because it sits above ground, it’s the first part to freeze when temperatures drop. Ensure it’s free from cracks and properly insulated with a foam or insulated backflow cover. D. Inspect Valve Boxes and Wiring Open each valve box, clear debris or insects, and make sure solenoid wires are not corroded or exposed to moisture. Winterize and Protect the System A. Turn Off the Controller Switch your irrigation controller to “Off” or “Rain Mode.” This preserves your programming while preventing the system from running automatically during cold weather. B. Shut Off the Main Irrigation Valve Close the system’s shut-off valve to prevent water from entering irrigation lines during freezing conditions. C. Drain the System Properly Depending on your system type:
D. Insulate All Exposed Pipes and Valves Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or heat tape to protect exposed pipes, valves, and backflow assemblies. In Houston, even a few hours below freezing can cause severe damage to unprotected components. Prepare for a Quick Spring Startup When spring arrives, having winterized properly means less maintenance and faster startup.
Why Irrigation Winterization Matters in Houston Although the Houston area doesn’t experience extended freezes like northern regions, short cold spells can still cause serious damage to irrigation components, leading to costly repairs in the spring. Preventing these issues saves:
Professional Irrigation Services in Houston, TX
If you’re unsure how to properly shut down or inspect your irrigation system, PLS Landscaping offers professional irrigation maintenance, system inspections, and winterization services throughout: Tomball, Cypress, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, and Greater Houston. Our licensed irrigation specialists ensure your system is ready for cold weather and running efficiently year-round. Contact us today for a fall irrigation inspection or winterization service. 📞 (832-433-5863) 🌐 Contact us Comments are closed.
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