Winter in South Austin brings milder temperatures than further north, but preparing your sprinkler system is still essential to avoid damage and ensure optimal performance when spring arrives. Winterize your system while keeping it functional for those occasional watering needs.
Rain/Freeze Sensors: Stay Ahead of the Weather
Rain/freeze sensors are critical during winter. These devices prevent unnecessary watering during rainfall or when temperatures drop below freezing, safeguarding your system and conserving water.
- Inspect and Test: Check your sensor to ensure it’s clean, correctly installed, and functioning.
- Upgrade If Necessary: If your system doesn’t have a rain/freeze sensor, consider installing one. Texas law requires new irrigation systems to include these, and they’re a smart investment for older systems.
Adjust Your Watering Schedule
Even in winter, lawns and plants may require minimal watering to prevent drying out, especially during dry spells.
- Follow Local Guidelines: South Austin typically recommends watering every two weeks during cooler months.
- Time It Right: Water early in the morning to minimize evaporation and prevent freezing on hard surfaces.
Keep an eye on the weather and avoid watering ahead of a freeze to prevent ice formation.
Protect Pipes and Valves
Freezing temperatures can cause pipes and valves to burst, leading to costly repairs. Although Austin doesn’t normally require the same steps as in colder regions of Texas. If temperatures are predicted to drop to freezing for even a couple or few days it would be helpful to do the following:
- Insulate Exposed Pipes: Use foam covers or pipe insulation to protect above-ground pipes and the backflow preventer.
- Drain the near surface components: If a hard freeze is forecasted, drain any remaining water from exposed components to prevent expansion-related damage.
Check Your Controllers
Winter is the perfect time to review your sprinkler system’s controller settings.
- Update Programs: Adjust watering schedules for the cooler months.
- Inspect Batteries: Replace backup batteries in case of a power outage.
- Consider Smart Technology: If your controller isn’t already a smart model, upgrading can provide real-time weather adjustments and remote control via smartphone apps.
Winter Repairs and Tune-Ups
If you haven’t addressed issues from the summer or fall, winter is the ideal time for repairs. Many homeowners forget to inspect their systems post-peak watering season, leading to surprises in spring.
- Diagnose and Fix Leaks: Repair any leaks or broken sprinkler heads that may have gone unnoticed.
- Enhance Coverage: Adjust or replace nozzles for more efficient water distribution.
- Schedule Professional Maintenance: Winter offers more scheduling flexibility with irrigation professionals, ensuring your system is ready for spring.
Why Prepare Now?
South Austin’s unpredictable winters can bring sudden cold snaps, but proactive maintenance ensures your sprinkler system stays efficient and damage-free. Additionally, addressing repairs during winter saves you time and stress when demand surges in spring.
Let South Austin Irrigation help you protect your investment and keep your system running smoothly year-round. Contact us today for winter maintenance and repairs!
