Sprinkler System Freeze Protection for the Houston Area - Call JB Irrigation

No one predicted the recent cold snap that rolled through Houston last year, freezing and breaking thousands of sprinkler systems along the way. Weather is unpredictable by its nature, but when the cold strikes, JB Irrigation has you covered. Don't wait until after the freeze to call us though. We offer a complete winterization service that will save you a lot of money on unnecessary repairs.

JB Irrigation repaired over 1000 broken sprinkler systems due to the freeze in 2009. Don't let this happen to you! We offer complete cold weather solutions for your system, including proper drainage, insulation pouches and covers, and more.

Also before the cold hits...

Insulate pipes in your home's crawl spaces and attic. These exposed pipes are most susceptible to freezing. Remember - the more insulation you use, the better protected your pipes will be.

Seal leaks that allow cold air inside. Especially near where pipes are located. Look for air leaks around electrical wiring, dryer vents and pipes that enter or exit the home. Use caulk or insulation to keep the cold out and the heat in. With severe cold, even a tiny opening can let in enough cold air to cause a pipe to freeze. This step will help you save on home heating costs too!

Disconnect garden hoses. Be sure to drain them too! The water in them will freeze, expand and crack the hose, ruining it.

When the mercury drops in Houston

A trickle of hot and cold water might be all it takes to keep your home's pipes from freezing. Let warm water drip overnight, preferably from a faucet on an outside wall. Open cabinet doors to allow heat to get to uninsulated pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls.

Before you leave your Houston home

Set the thermostat in your house no lower than 55°F (12°C). Ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it's warm enough to prevent freezing or Shut off and drain the water system. Be aware that if you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it will be deactivated when you shut off the water.

If your pipes freeze

Don't take chances. If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber. If you detect that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve in the house; leave the water faucets turned on. (Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve is and how to open and close it.)

Never try to thaw a pipe with a torch or other open flame. Water damage is preferable to burning down your house. You may be able to thaw a frozen pipe with the warm air from a hair dryer. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. Do not use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because you could be electrocuted.

For more information on Houston sprinkler freeze protection and other irrigation winterization, contact JB Irrigation today.