Freeze & backflow / Wichita Falls
Freeze Damage Repair & Winterization in Wichita Falls, TX
Water left in a sprinkler line turns to ice and splits what holds it. We repair cracked backflow preventers, split pipe and frozen valves, and we winterize in the fall so spring starts clean.
You may notice
- A backflow preventer that leaks or sprays at start-up
- Geysers or soggy ground after a hard freeze
- Low pressure in spring that was fine in fall
- Valves that leak or will not close
- Cracked heads and split fittings
What we do
Water expands when it freezes. A sprinkler system holds water in every pipe, head and valve, and the weakest part gives way first. That is often the above-ground backflow preventer. Winterization removes the water so there is nothing left to freeze.
Fall winterization. We close the irrigation supply and blow out each zone with compressed air, working zone by zone and at a safe pressure. Heads and pipe are cleared, not just the main.
Protect exposed parts. Backflow preventers and above-ground pipe take the worst of a freeze. We insulate them and advise on covers that suit your setup.
Spring start-up. We bring the system up to pressure slowly, run every zone and look for geysers, soft ground and weak spray. Most freeze damage shows up in this first run.
Repair what froze. Cracked backflow devices, split fittings, valves and heads are replaced. We show you what failed and what each repair involves before work begins.
Set the controller for the season. We adjust the schedule so the lawn is watered correctly as the weather turns. We also confirm that any freeze sensor is working.
What this helps with
- Cracked or leaking backflow preventers
- Split pipe and burst fittings
- Frozen or damaged valves
- Low pressure after winter
- Unplanned repairs after a cold snap
What shapes the estimate
A fall winterization is priced by the size of the system, mostly the number of zones. Spring start-ups are similar. A repair after a freeze depends on what cracked. A frozen backflow preventer, a split fitting and a few burst heads are three different jobs with three different price ranges.
Timing matters. Right after a hard freeze, many homeowners call at once. Booking a fall winterization early puts you ahead of the line, and a spring start-up found early costs less than a leak found in July.
Before we arrive
Whether it is fall or spring, a few steps make the visit smoother.
- Know where your irrigation shutoff is and that it works.
- Move hoses and covers away from the backflow preventer.
- After a freeze, note any geysers or soft spots you see.
- Tell us if the system was drained before the cold.
Winter in North Texas
Freezing nights are a normal part of a North Texas winter, and every so often a deep freeze settles in for days. The February 2021 freeze burst water lines across Texas and left plenty of irrigation systems damaged. Most of the damage shows up when the system is switched on in spring.
The safest habit is to winterize in late fall, before the first hard freeze. If a freeze is forecast and the system has not been drained, shut off the irrigation supply and insulate the backflow preventer. Then call us. A spring start-up is the cheapest way to find damage while it is still small.
Questions we hear
When should I winterize my sprinklers in Wichita Falls?
Late fall, before the first hard freeze. The date moves with the weather, so watch the forecast and book early.
Do I really need to blow out lines in Texas?
Freezes here are less frequent than farther north, but they can be severe. Draining the system is small cost against a cracked backflow preventer or split pipe.
What if my backflow preventer froze?
Shut off the irrigation supply and call us. We inspect it and replace it if it is cracked.
What does a spring start-up include?
Slowly pressurizing the system, running every zone, checking heads, valves and the controller, and repairing what froze.
Can I blow out my own lines?
Compressed air at the wrong pressure can damage heads and pipe. We work zone by zone at a safe pressure.
Active problem / call directly
Do not wait on a spreading problem.
Water moving where it should not, a zone that will not stop or a system that froze. Call, and we will tell you how to shut it off safely and what to do next.
A better first step
Request an estimate for freeze damage repair & winterization.
Tell us what you see. We diagnose first, explain the likely cause and give you a clear next step before work begins.
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