North Texas winters love to play tricks. One day it is 70 degrees, and the next morning your yard wears a coat of ice. We just finished a bunch of freeze prep visits around Plano this week, and the phone keeps ringing.
At Stonebridge Lawn and Garden, we know that finding the best irrigation company means choosing a team that can protect your sprinkler system before freezing weather causes costly damage. We have spent years helping homeowners prepare for cold snaps. This is the checklist we use on every job, so your pipes stay in one piece, and your water bill stays calm.
Why Does Your Plano Irrigation System Need a Winter Checklist?
Water and freezing weather are bad roommates. A little prep keeps the peace.
Frozen Water Breaks Pipes
Water takes up more room as ice than as liquid. When it freezes inside a pipe or valve, it pushes outward until something cracks. We just repaired a system in Plano where one frozen fitting led to a flooded bed and a very surprised homeowner.
Small Leaks Turn Into Costly Repairs
A tiny crack stays hidden until spring, when the water turns back on. Then you have a leak, low water pressure, and a soggy patch of turf. Winterization helps you avoid costly repairs and keeps your landscape irrigation working for years.
What Should You Do First Before a Freeze?
Start with the easy stuff. These steps take only a few minutes.
Watch the Forecast
Keep an eye on the weather. When the forecast shows a freeze, it is time to act. Waiting until the night before is how people end up with ice and regret.
Shut Off the Water Supply
Find the main valve that feeds your sprinkler system and shut it off. This stops new water from filling the pipes. If you cannot find it, we can show you where it hides.
Here is what else we check on every visit:
Controller
We switch your controller to rain mode instead of unplugging it, so your programming stays safe for spring.
Backflow device
We look at the backflow prevention parts above ground, because they hold water and crack easily in cold weather.
Water meter
We make sure the utility meter box is closed, and the lid fits well, since cold air can sneak in.
Exposed pipe
We cover any pipe that sits above the soil with foam, so it stays warmer.
How Do You Drain Your System for Winter?
This is the step that matters most. Water left in your lines is what causes the damage.
Blow Out the Lines
A technician uses compressed air to push remaining water out of the pipes and sprinkler heads. We go one zone at a time until only air comes out. Too much pressure can harm your system, so this is a job for a pro.
Protect the Backflow Assembly
Backflow prevention keeps dirty water from flowing back into your drinking water. We drain it, wrap it, and test it when needed. If your device looks old or cracked, we can handle the installation of a new one.
How Often Should You Water Your Lawn in Winter?
Not much. Plano residents and businesses are asked to water a maximum of once per week from November 1 to March 31. The city also shares winter watering guidelines you can download, and they are worth a read.
We just helped a Plano homeowner install a smart controller that will reduce water waste by adjusting the watering schedule on its own when the weather turns cold.
Dormant Grass Needs Less
Cool-season and warm-season grass both slow down when the temperature drops. Dormant turf is not growing, so it sips water instead of gulping it. Watering too much only adds stress and can lead to water waste.
Clay Soil Holds Moisture
Heavy clay soil around Plano stays wet longer than sandy soil. Before you run your sprinkler, push a screwdriver into the soil. If it goes in easily, the ground still has moisture, and you can skip a cycle.
What Should You Look for After a Freeze?
Walk your property once the ice melts. Look for wet spots, geysers, or a patch of grass that stays soggy for days. Check each zone and inspect your sprinkler heads for cracks. Even if everything looks fine, hidden leaks and worn parts can cause trouble later.
Understanding how regular sprinkler maintenance prevents costly problems can help you catch small issues before they turn into major repairs. Low water pressure is also a clue that something has burst.
If you see any of these, call for sprinkler repair before you turn the system back on. Want to avoid discovering broken pipes when spring arrives? Following these seasonal irrigation maintenance recommendations can help you prepare your sprinkler system before freezing temperatures cause damage.
Frequently Asked Questions About Irrigation
1. Can I leave my sprinkler system on all winter in Plano?
No. Water in the lines can freeze and crack pipes, valves, and sprinkler heads. Shutting the system down and draining it protects your investment.
2. Do I still need to water my lawn in winter?
Yes, a little. Dormant grass and shrubs still need some moisture, especially during dry spells. Just keep it to once per week or less, as the city asks.
3. Can I winterize my system myself?
Yes, but it can be risky. A wrong move with air pressure can crack parts, and water often hides in low spots. A professional has the right tools and knows where to look.
Ready for a Freeze?
A little prep now saves you from a muddy mess later. Shut off the water supply, drain the lines, protect the backflow device, and water only when your lawn needs it. Your system will thank you in spring.
If you want a hand, call Stonebridge Lawn and Garden today at (972) 625-0066.
We handle winterization, sprinkler repair, irrigation installation, and year-round maintenance for homes and businesses across Plano and North Texas. We will show up on time, explain things in plain words, and leave your system ready for whatever winter throws at it.
