Sandy and I had a frosty wake-up call last February. We left town and forgot to drip our faucets. Well, the temperatures dropped below freezing that weekend and we returned home to frozen pipes and no running water for four days.

In addition to draining or dripping your indoor faucets, think about your sprinkler system, too. As Central Texas temperatures drop, protect your outdoor PVC pipes from freezing and cracking.

Why Winterizing Matters
When temperatures dip below 32 degrees, any water in your sprinkler system’s pipes can freeze, expand, and cause the PVC pipes to crack.

And nobody wants to deal with the resulting repairs, right?

4 Easy Steps to Winterize Your Sprinklers
1. Shut Off the Water Supply: Locate the water shut-off valve for your sprinkler system. If you don’t have a dedicated shut-off valve in your garage, consider having your plumber install one. This makes it easier to turn off the water and avoid trekking to the main shut-off in icy conditions.
2. Drain the Pipes: This sounds harder than it is! Open your sprinkler’s drain valves or use a spigot near the shut-off valve to release any water still sitting in the pipes. This step is crucial to prevent freezing and cracking.
3. Blow Out Remaining Water: Even after draining, a small amount of water can remain in the system. Use compressed air to blow out any residual water from the pipes and sprinkler heads. If you’re unfamiliar with this process, consider hiring a professional to ensure it’s done safely and effectively.
4. Leave Valves Open: Once the system is drained, leave the drain valves open. This prevents pressure build-up if a small amount of water remains and freezes.

You can also ask your plumber or sprinkler maintenance company for an in-person tutorial.

We Promise…Your Future Self Will Thank You
This small maintenance task will pay off during a freeze. You’ll avoid cracked pipes and the accompanying repairs.

Have more questions about winterizing your home? Reach out to us anytime. We’re happy to connect you with trusted plumbers (and carpenters, craftspeople, roofers, painters, and more) who can service your home maintenance needs.

At Dochen Realty Group, we pride ourselves on helping you before, during, and after you buy (or sell) your home. Call or email anytime.