Winterization Instructions

When freezing temperatures are expected during winter,  most landscape irrigation systems should be winterized. This helps conserve water and can help protect the irrigation system from damaging winter conditions. Winterizing is the process of preparing an irrigation system for winter weather and can help avoid costly repairs in the spring.

For most of Texas you can follow these simple steps to Winterize an irrigation system:

  • Turn off the irrigation controller.
  • Turn off the irrigation system water supply near the water meter or backflow prevention assembly (most irrigation systems have an isolation valve for this purpose).
  • Insulate any PVC pipes that are exposed above ground.
  • Drain the water from irrigation components installed above ground such as backflow prevention assemblies.

 Additional winterization resources, including how to videos are available at https://irrigation.tamu.edu/winterization/