Preparing Your Irrigation System for Cooler Temperatures

As temperatures begin to drop, your lawn and landscape maintenance routine should shift to focus on preparation and protection. One of the most important fall tasks for Texas homeowners is winterizing your irrigation system. Even though Central Texas doesn’t experience long, harsh winters, freezing temperatures can still damage your sprinkler system if it’s not properly maintained. At Waco Landscapes and Irrigation, we help homeowners protect their investments and keep systems running efficiently year-round. Here’s how to get your irrigation system ready for the cooler months ahead.

1. Shut Off and Drain the System

The first step in winter preparation is shutting off the main water supply to your irrigation system. Once the water is off, drain any remaining water from the lines to prevent freezing and cracking. Even a small amount of trapped water can expand when frozen and cause major damage to pipes, valves, or sprinkler heads. In most Texas climates, manual draining or the “blow-out” method using compressed air is sufficient. Our team at Waco Landscapes and Irrigation can safely perform this service to ensure every part of your system is cleared.

2. Insulate Exposed Components

Any exposed components—like backflow preventers, valves, or above-ground pipes—should be insulated before temperatures drop below freezing. Foam insulation tape, covers, or weather-resistant blankets work well to protect these vulnerable areas. It’s also important to ensure insulation is secured tightly and remains dry. A little preparation here can prevent costly repairs later.

3. Inspect and Clean Sprinkler Heads

Before turning off your system completely, take the opportunity to inspect your sprinkler heads. Check for debris, clogs, or damage caused by lawn equipment or soil movement. Cleaning out the heads now helps prevent rust and corrosion during the winter months. If any nozzles or risers need replacement, it’s best to take care of it before spring arrives.

4. Adjust the Controller Settings

If your irrigation system has an automated controller, switch it to the “off” or “rain mode” setting for winter. This prevents the system from running unnecessarily during colder months or when rain is frequent. For systems with smart controllers, update your seasonal schedule to reduce watering frequency and take advantage of automatic weather-based adjustments.

5. Check Drainage and Runoff

With cooler temperatures and increased rainfall in the fall and winter, ensure your landscape has proper drainage. Inspect low areas in your yard to make sure water isn’t pooling near sprinkler heads, valve boxes, or walkways. Good drainage prevents erosion and keeps your irrigation system components protected from waterlogging or freeze damage.

6. Schedule a Professional Winterization Service

While DIY steps can help, professional inspection and winterization ensure your irrigation system is fully protected. The experts at Waco Landscapes and Irrigation perform a detailed system check, flush water lines, inspect valves, and verify that your backflow preventer is properly insulated and functioning. This preventive care saves money, extends system lifespan, and ensures a smooth transition back to spring watering.

Prepare Now to Protect Later

Taking the time to prepare your irrigation system before cold weather arrives helps avoid unexpected damage and expensive repairs in the spring. At Waco Landscapes and Irrigation, we specialize in maintaining irrigation systems built to withstand Texas weather year after year.

Contact Waco Landscapes and Irrigation today to schedule your fall system inspection and winterization service—keeping your lawn healthy, efficient, and ready for the next growing season.