San Antonio Sprinkler Winterization
Texas winters are mild — until they aren’t. When a hard freeze hits, water trapped in your backflow, valves, and lines can freeze, expand, and crack the system. AAIS drains, protects, and — when you want full peace of mind — air-blows your sprinklers before the cold arrives.
Do You Need to Winterize in Central Texas?
Central Texas isn’t the frozen north — you don’t have to blow your system out every single year. But the freezes we’ve had lately across San Antonio and New Braunfels are exactly the kind that crack backflows and split pipes.
Your system is underground, but its most vulnerable parts — the backflow preventer, exposed valves, and above-ground piping — sit right out in the cold. A little prep before the first hard freeze beats an expensive repair come spring.
Your Backflow Preventer Freezes First
On almost every Texas system, the part most likely to crack in a freeze is the backflow preventer — that brass or PVC assembly sticking up out of the ground near your water main.
Water sitting inside it has nowhere to go when it freezes and expands. We drain it, shut it down the right way, and can insulate or cover it so a sudden cold snap doesn’t split the body.
What Our Winterization Covers
We work through every part of your system that a freeze can reach.
Our Winterization Process
A thorough shutdown built around Texas weather — not a northern blow-and-go.
Shut Off the Supply
We close the irrigation supply valve and isolate the system from your water.
Drain the System
We open drains and clear water from heads, valves, and lines.
Air-Compressor Blowout (Upgrade)
Optional high-pressure blowout forces out every last drop, zone by zone.
Protect the Backflow
We shut down and insulate the backflow and any exposed components.
System Inspection
We flag worn nozzles, weak valves, and leak-prone fittings for spring.
Controller & Walkthrough
We set the timer to rain/off and show you exactly what we did.
High-pressure air clears every zone — the most thorough option
Do You Really Need a Full Blowout in Texas?
Honest answer: not every year. Central Texas doesn’t get the long, deep freezes that force a full blowout up north. Most winters, draining the system and protecting the backflow is plenty.
When a blowout is worth it:
Signs It’s Time to Winterize
If any of these sound familiar, it’s time to get on the schedule.
Why San Antonio Trusts AAIS
Over two decades protecting San Antonio, New Braunfels & surrounding-area systems through every freeze and every season.
A Homegrown Business, Not Just Another Contractor
Chris Mayberry started All American Irrigation Systems in 2003, at just 18 years old, passing out flyers door-to-door in the neighborhood he grew up in. Over 20 years later, AAIS is one of the most trusted irrigation companies in the San Antonio area — relied on by HOA boards, national brands, and regional property groups, with a team that still shows up with the same pride and professionalism on every job.
People buy from people, not companies.
Sprinkler Winterization Questions, Answered
What San Antonio and New Braunfels homeowners ask us most about winterizing.
The 3 Backflow Preventers — and How to Protect Yours
Texas irrigation systems use one of three backflow assemblies, and each gets shut down a little differently before a freeze. The basic idea is the same — set the shutoff valves and test cocks to a 45° angle so no water stays trapped, then insulate the assembly — but here’s how to tell which one you have. Not sure which you have? We can identify and winterize all three.
How to Winterize Your Backflow Preventer
All three assemblies are protected the same basic way, and it only takes a flathead screwdriver. The goal is simple: never leave water sealed inside the valve body, where it can freeze, expand, and crack the brass.
Slipping an insulated cover over the whole assembly is the single best freeze protection there is. We keep these insulated backflow bags in stock — just give us a call and we’ll bring one out and fit it for you.
Call (210) 826-6474Explore Our Other Services
Protect Your System Before the Freeze
Get your sprinklers drained, your backflow protected, and an optional air-compressor blowout — all before the next hard freeze hits San Antonio, New Braunfels, or the surrounding areas. Ask about our seasonal blowout special.
