Turning off the controller is not enough for irrigation winterization service in McKinney TX. The controller only stops the watering schedule. Water still sits in the pipes, valves, and backflow preventer, and that trapped water can freeze and crack parts during a North Texas cold snap.
A full winterization also includes shutting off the water supply, clearing water from the lines, and protecting exposed parts. It’s also a good time to record leaks, damaged heads, and unreliable valves so repairs aren’t forgotten by spring.
At a Glance
- Difficulty: Easy for shutoff and inspection steps, more involved for draining lines
- Estimated time: 30-60 minutes for the homeowner steps
- Tools needed: Phone camera, notes app, flashlight, insulation cover for the backflow preventer
- Works for: Protecting pipes, valves, and the backflow preventer from freezing
- May not solve: Existing leaks, cracked parts, or valves that already fail
Why the Controller Isn’t Enough
Your controller is the brain of the system. It tells valves when to open and close. Turning it off stops the schedule, but it doesn’t remove any water.
Water stays in several places after the last cycle:
- The main line: It stays pressurized as long as the supply is open.
- The valves: They hold water inside the valve body.
- The zone lines: Pipe that runs to the heads holds water between cycles.
- The backflow preventer: This above-ground device holds water and is one of the first parts to freeze.
When that water freezes, it expands. That can crack fittings, split pipe, and damage the backflow preventer.
What Irrigation Winterization Service in McKinney TX Usually Includes
Services vary between companies, so it’s fair to ask what’s included. Most licensed companies cover some or all of the following:
- Shutting off the water supply to the irrigation system
- Clearing water from the lines, often with compressed air
- Draining the backflow preventer and low points where water collects
- Protecting exposed pipe and the backflow assembly
- Setting the controller to its off or rain mode
- Noting problems found during the visit
Compressed air needs to be used at the right pressure, because too much can damage heads and fittings. That’s one reason many homeowners choose a licensed company for this step.
Documenting Problems Before Shutdown
Winterization is a good time to look for problems that already exist. A short written record helps you decide what needs repair and what can wait.
Leaks
Note where you saw water and whether it appeared only when a zone ran. A leak that continues with the system off may involve a pressurized line. Write down the zone and location.
Damaged Heads
Look for cracked, tilted, sunken, or stuck heads. Take a photo of each one and note the zone. Broken heads are usually simple repairs, but they can leak until fixed.
Unreliable Valves
Valves are harder to judge from above ground. Write down any zone that:
- Doesn’t turn on
- Doesn’t shut off fully
- Runs weakly
- Turns on by itself
- Has water standing in the valve box
An intermittent problem is still worth recording. Valves that act up once in a while tend to get worse over time.
How to Prepare Before Winterization
You can do these steps before a licensed irrigator arrives, or as a starting point if you’re deciding what you need. Each step takes just a few minutes.
Step 1: Set the Controller to Off
Switch the controller to its off or rain mode. Don’t unplug it or erase the schedule if you want to keep your settings.
Step 2: Find the Irrigation Shutoff Valve
It’s usually near the water meter, the backflow preventer, or where the line enters the house. If you can’t find it, check your system’s paperwork or ask a licensed company.
Step 3: Close the Shutoff Valve
Turn it slowly until it stops. This stops water from entering the irrigation system.
Step 4: Run a Quick Meter Check
Turn off all water in the house and read your meter. Wait 15 minutes and read it again. If the number changed, write it down and look for a leak.
Step 5: Walk the Yard
Look for wet spots, sunken areas, broken heads, and tilted risers. Take photos and add each issue to your notes.
Step 6: Check the Valve Boxes
Lift the lids carefully. Note standing water, hissing, or damaged wires.
Step 7: Protect the Backflow Preventer
Cover it with an insulated pouch or foam cover made for that purpose. Make sure vents and drain openings stay uncovered so the device works as designed.
Step 8: Decide Who Will Clear the Lines
Draining the lines is the step that removes trapped water. Many homeowners choose a licensed sprinkler company for this step.
When Repairs Are Needed
Not every problem has to be fixed before winter. Use the guide below as a starting point.
Usually worth fixing before winter:
- Leaks that continue with the system off
- Wet soil near the foundation, slab, or retaining wall
- Cracked pipe or fittings above ground
- A leaking or cracked backflow preventer
- Valves that won’t close all the way
Often safe to wait until spring:
- A broken head on a zone that is shut off
- Spray pattern problems
- Clogged nozzles
- Small arc or distance adjustments
If you aren’t sure, record the issue and ask a licensed sprinkler company to take a look. The goal is to decide with good information, not to rush.
How Unresolved Defects Are Recorded
Sometimes a problem can’t be fixed right away. A part may be on order, or the homeowner may choose to wait. Either way, the item should be written down so it doesn’t get lost.
A good record of an unresolved item includes:
- What was found: A short description
- Where: Zone number and location
- What was done: For example, the zone was shut off
- What is still open: The repair that hasn’t happened yet
- What to check at startup: The first thing to test in spring
Many licensed companies include open items in their service notes. If you hire a company, it’s reasonable to ask for those notes in writing.
Common Mistakes Homeowners Make
- Assuming the controller is the only step. Turning it off leaves water in the system.
- Closing the shutoff but not clearing the lines. Water already in the pipes can still freeze.
- Covering the backflow preventer with plastic. Plastic can trap moisture. Use a cover designed for the job.
- Skipping the written record. Open problems get forgotten by spring.
- Using too much air pressure. High pressure can damage heads and fittings.
- Assuming winterization repairs existing damage. It protects the system, but it doesn’t fix leaks or broken parts. See our article on sprinkler winterization in McKinney TX.
North Texas Considerations
North Texas winters are short, but freezes can arrive with little warning.
- Brief hard freezes: A single night below freezing can crack exposed parts.
- Clay soil: McKinney’s clay swells and shrinks, which can shift pipes and tilt heads.
- Foundation movement: Soil near the house moves more, so lines near the slab deserve a closer look.
- Wind: Cold wind speeds up freezing in exposed backflow assemblies.
- Seasonal watering: Lawns need little water in winter, so most systems can stay off until spring.
- Water restrictions: Check current watering rules with the City of McKinney and your water provider before running test cycles.
Texas regulates irrigation work, and the TCEQ irrigation program explains licensing and backflow requirements. For general advice on outdoor water use, the EPA’s WaterSense outdoor resources are a useful reference.
Related Problems to Watch For
A written record often shows a pattern. If the same symptom keeps coming up, the cause could be:
- A failing valve: See our guide on sprinkler valve repair.
- An underground leak: Read about sprinkler leak detection.
- Low water pressure: A weak spray across several zones may be a pressure issue.
- Controller problems: A schedule that doesn’t match what you see in the yard may be a programming issue.
- A damaged backflow preventer: Cracks or leaks should be checked by a licensed professional.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is turning off my sprinkler controller enough for winter?
No. The controller stops the schedule, but water stays in the pipes, valves, and backflow preventer. That water can freeze and cause damage, so shut off the supply and clear the lines.
Do I need to drain my sprinkler system in McKinney?
Draining is recommended before hard freezes. Many McKinney systems have exposed parts that can crack when water freezes inside them. Many homeowners choose a licensed company to clear the lines safely.
Can I winterize my sprinkler system myself?
Some steps are manageable, such as shutting off the supply and insulating the backflow preventer. Clearing the lines with compressed air needs the right equipment and pressure. If you aren’t comfortable with it, a licensed company can handle it.
Does winterizing fix leaks or broken heads?
No. Winterizing protects the system from freezing but doesn’t repair damage. Leaks, cracked heads, and faulty valves still need to be fixed.
What should I write down before winterizing?
Record any leaks, damaged heads, and valves that don’t work well. Include the zone, location, a photo, and whether it was fixed or left open. This record helps you plan spring startup.
Conclusion
Irrigation winterization service in McKinney TX involves more than turning off the controller. Shut off the water supply, protect the backflow preventer, and clear water from the lines. Write down any leaks, damaged heads, or valve problems so open repairs aren’t forgotten. A licensed sprinkler company can handle the draining and testing and record unresolved items clearly. Our goal is to help you decide what to do now and what can wait, so your system starts spring in good shape.
