How to Protect your Sprinkler System in the Event of a Freeze

Protect your sprinkler system, particularly the PVB from damage.  There are two techniques, depending on whether or not you have a main cut off valve separate from the PVB. 

A main shut off valve was not standard until it was required by the TCEQ in 2010.  Generally, they are simple plastic gate valves (T handle) located under a round green cap on a line somewhere between the main water utility meter and the PVB valve.  Be careful though, if you pop open a green cap and find a valve actuator with wires, leave it alone.  This is a zone control valve. 

These instructions assume that all sprinkler PVC pipes and zone valves are buried except the pipe at the PVB, which is wrapped in foam pipe insulation. 

 If you have a main cut off, follow these instructions:  
1.  Turn off the main valve.  
2.  Take a flat tip screw driver and turn both of the two small test valves (item 1) and let them run until the water stops. 
3.  Then use the manual function of your control panel to run zone one for 5 seconds.  

If you do not have a main cut off, follow these instructions: 
1.  Turn off valves 2 & 3 so that the handles cross the pipes. 
2.  Open the test  valves (1) to bleed off water within the PVB. 
3.  Use the manual function of your control panel to run zone one for 5 seconds. 
4.  Return valve 3 to a position parallel with the pipe, but leave valve 2 across the pipe in the off position.  

This should relieve all of the pressure from your exposed sprinkler pipes and the PVB.  Reverse these steps to reactivate your system.  It may also be helpful to note that you do not need to winterize the system from November through February.  Depending on the weather, a bit of water over the winter is a good thing.  Unfortunatly, that means that you may winterize and de-winterize several times each year.  Talk to your favorite irrigation specialist for more information.