Sprinkler System Winterization Jacksonville

Every winter, I get the same question from Jacksonville homeowners: "Do I need to winterize my sprinkler system?" The answer is nuanced. We're not Chicago or Boston where hard freezes are guaranteed and pipes burst regularly. But we do get occasional cold snaps that can damage irrigation systems if you're not prepared.

Most years, Jacksonville sees a few nights dipping into the upper 20s, occasionally lower. That's enough to freeze water in exposed pipes and damage system components. The question isn't whether to protect your system—it's how much protection you need and when to implement it.

Jacksonville's Winter Climate and Irrigation Risk

We're in USDA zones 9a and 9b. Our average winter low is around 35-40°F, but every few years we get a legitimate freeze event. January 2022, we hit 22°F and saw widespread pipe damage across the region. January 2018 was worse—some areas dropped to 17°F.

The problem with Jacksonville winters is unpredictability. We can have weeks of mild 60-70°F weather, then suddenly drop to freezing overnight. Systems that work fine in Minnesota because they're properly winterized in October can actually be riskier here because people get complacent during warm spells.

What Freezing Does to Irrigation Systems

Water expands about 9% when it freezes. In a confined space like a pipe or valve, this expansion creates enormous pressure that can crack PVC pipe, split valve bodies, damage backflow preventers, and break sprinkler heads.

Above-ground components are most vulnerable. Backflow preventers, valve manifolds in boxes without insulation, and any exposed pipe can freeze and crack. Underground pipes are usually safe because soil temperature stays more stable than air temperature, especially below the frost line.

In Jacksonville, our frost line is only about 2-4 inches deep since hard freezes are uncommon. That's much shallower than northern states, but it means surface components need attention.

Do You Need Full Winterization?

Full winterization—completely draining the system and blowing out all pipes with compressed air—is what they do up north. For Jacksonville, that's usually overkill.

Most Jacksonville irrigation systems can winter over safely with basic protection rather than full winterization. But there are situations where more thorough winterization makes sense:

When Full Winterization Makes Sense

• You have a vacation home you won't be monitoring during winter
• Above-ground components that can't easily be insulated (exposed pipes, certain backflow configurations)
• History of freeze damage to your specific system
• Extended travel plans during winter months when you can't respond to freeze warnings
• Well pump systems that have unique vulnerabilities

When Basic Protection is Sufficient

• You live here full-time and can respond to freeze warnings
• Standard in-ground system with properly installed components
• Protected backflow preventer (insulated or in a heated garage)
• Ability to shut off and drain surface components quickly when freezes threaten

Most Jacksonville homeowners fall into the second category. You don't need professional winterization every fall, but you do need a plan for freeze events.

Basic Winter Protection (Most Jacksonville Systems)

This approach works for typical residential systems where someone is on-site to monitor weather and respond.

Step 1: Know Your System

Walk your property and identify vulnerable components:

• Backflow preventer location: Above-ground and exposed? In a valve box? How accessible?
• Valve manifold setup: In an in-ground box? Protected or exposed?
• Main shutoff valve location: Can you quickly access it?
• Any above-ground pipes: Along fences, connecting to hose bibs, etc.

Take photos and make notes. When it's 30°F and windy at 10 PM, you don't want to be searching for valves with a flashlight.

Step 2: Test Your System

October or November, run through your irrigation zones and verify everything works. Check for:

• Broken or stuck sprinkler heads
• Leaking valves
• Controller operation
• Water pressure issues
• Zone coverage problems

Fix any issues now. A broken component is more likely to cause freeze damage, and you want full functionality when we get back to regular watering season.

Step 3: Prepare Insulation Materials

Have these ready before the first freeze warning:

• Pipe insulation foam (the split foam tubes from hardware stores)
• Insulated bags or backflow covers (available at irrigation supply stores or online)
• Old towels or blankets
• Plastic bags or tarps to protect insulation from rain
• Duct tape or zip ties to secure insulation

Store these where you can grab them quickly. Jacksonville freeze warnings often come with 12-24 hours notice—not much time to shop.

Step 4: Monitor Weather

From December through February, check weather forecasts regularly. The National Weather Service issues freeze warnings when temperatures are expected to drop to 32°F or below for a sustained period.

Pay particular attention to:

• Actual low temperature predictions (not just the overnight low, but duration)
• Wind chill (moving air accelerates freezing)
• Duration below freezing (one hour at 31°F is different than eight hours at 26°F)

I use weather apps with freeze alerts set for my zip code. When a freeze warning pops up, it's time to act.

Step 5: Freeze Protection Actions

When a freeze is forecast:

The Day Before:

• Check all insulation materials are ready
• Verify you know where shutoffs are
• Run system briefly to ensure it's working

Evening Before the Freeze:

• Insulate backflow preventer thoroughly (most critical step)
• Wrap any exposed above-ground pipes
• Cover valve boxes with towels or insulation
• Consider running the system for a few minutes around 10-11 PM—moving water is less likely to freeze

Overnight:

• Some people run a very slow drip from one zone to keep water moving (controversial—this wastes water and may not help much)
• If temperatures will drop below 25°F, consider shutting off the system and draining surface components

Morning After:

• Remove insulation once temperatures are safely above freezing (typically mid-morning)
• Check backflow preventer and other components for cracks or leaks
• Run system briefly to verify operation

Step 6: Consider an Irrigation Freeze Sensor

These devices automatically shut off your irrigation system when temperatures drop to a preset point (usually 35-37°F). They cost $30-80 and install easily on most controllers.

This protects against your controller trying to run a scheduled watering during a freeze, which is one of the most common causes of freeze damage here.

Full Winterization (When Needed)

If you're going with full winterization, here's the process. This is typically done by professionals, but knowledgeable DIYers can handle it.

Manual Drain Method

Suitable for systems with manual drain valves installed at low points:

1. Shut off water supply at the main valve
2. Open manual drain valves (usually at end of each zone line)
3. Activate each zone from the controller to open valves and release water
4. Leave drain valves open all winter
5. Protect backflow preventer even with the system drained

This method is simple but relies on having properly installed drain valves. Many Jacksonville systems don't have these because they weren't considered necessary when installed.

Automatic Drain Method

Some systems have automatic drain valves that open when pressure drops below a certain point:

1. Shut off water supply
2. Run each zone briefly to depressurize lines (automatic drains will open)
3. Protect above-ground components

This method only works if your system was specifically installed with automatic drain valves. Most Jacksonville systems aren't.

Compressed Air Blowout Method

The most thorough method, recommended for extended winterization:

1. Shut off water supply
2. Connect air compressor to the system (usually at a drain port or test cock)
3. Activate one zone at a time and blow compressed air through until no water comes out
4. Use proper pressure (40-50 PSI for PVC pipes—too much can damage components)
5. Repeat for each zone
6. Don't run compressor too long in any one zone (can overheat and damage pipes)

This method requires specialized knowledge and equipment. Most homeowners hire professionals for compressed air blowouts. If you're leaving for winter or have had repeated freeze damage, the investment makes sense.

Specific Component Protection

Backflow Preventers

These are the most vulnerable component in Jacksonville systems. They're almost always above-ground and contain water in the valve body that can freeze.

Protection options:

• Insulated covers: Purpose-made covers available from irrigation suppliers
• DIY wrapping: Pipe insulation foam, wrapped with towels, covered with plastic
• Heated tape: For extreme cold situations (rare here)
• Drain the backflow: Some models have drain cocks specifically for freeze protection

Even a well-insulated backflow can freeze in extreme cold. If temperatures will be below 25°F for extended periods, consider draining it.

Valve Manifolds

Usually in underground boxes, which provides some insulation. But on very cold nights, they can still freeze.

Protection:

• Cover the valve box with a towel or insulation board
• Don't seal it airtight—you want some ground heat to reach the valves
• Some people place a trouble light (incandescent bulb) in the box for extreme cold (LED bulbs don't generate enough heat)

Pumps (Well Systems and Booster Pumps)

If your irrigation draws from a well or uses a booster pump, these need protection:

• Pump houses: Insulate and, if possible, add heat source
• Insulate pump and pressure tank
• Drain surface pipes leading to/from pump
• Don't drain the pump itself (internal water protects seals)

Controllers

Indoor controllers are fine. Outdoor controllers need protection mainly to prevent moisture issues during winter rain, not freezing. A controller cover or enclosure usually suffices.

Spring Startup After Winterization

If you fully winterized your system, spring startup needs care:

1. Check all components visually for winter damage
2. Close all drain valves
3. Open main water supply slowly
4. Let system pressurize gradually (sudden pressure can damage weakened components)
5. Check for leaks at all connections, valves, and sprinkler heads
6. Activate each zone and observe operation
7. Adjust sprinkler heads as needed (frost heave can shift them)

Plan your spring startup for March or early April, once consistent warm weather arrives.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Ignoring Freeze Warnings

"It's Jacksonville, it won't get that cold" is famous last words. Our occasional hard freezes cause millions in damage precisely because people don't take them seriously.

Over-insulating Underground Components

Soil provides natural insulation. Excessive insulation of in-ground valve boxes can actually trap cold air. Simple coverage is enough.

Forgetting to Remove Insulation

Leaving insulation on your backflow preventer all winter through warm spells can cause other problems—moisture buildup, corrosion, pest issues. Put it on for freeze events, take it off after.

Draining But Not Protecting

Draining your system but leaving the backflow preventer unprotected is a recipe for disaster. The backflow is often the most expensive component to replace.

Wrong Air Pressure on Blowouts

Too much pressure during compressed air blowouts can damage pipes, blow apart connections, or destroy sprinkler heads. PVC pipe should see no more than 50 PSI; poly pipe can handle 60-80 PSI. Know your system.

Professional vs. DIY

Basic freeze protection (insulating components for specific freeze events) is definitely DIY territory. You're just wrapping things up—no technical skills required.

Full winterization with compressed air blowout is a gray area. If you have the equipment and knowledge, you can do it. But professionals have the right compressor size, know proper pressures for different systems, and carry insurance if something goes wrong.

For most Jacksonville homeowners, paying for professional winterization only makes sense if:

• You're leaving for the entire winter
• Your system has complex features (pump, extensive zone count, unusual components)
• You've had repeated freeze damage despite DIY protection efforts

Otherwise, the DIY freeze protection approach works fine and costs almost nothing beyond some insulation materials.

The Bottom Line

Jacksonville irrigation systems don't need the aggressive winterization common up north, but they're not completely freeze-proof either. The middle-ground approach—basic system maintenance in fall, materials ready for freeze protection, and quick response to freeze warnings—works for most situations.

Pay special attention to your backflow preventer. It's the most vulnerable and expensive component. A $20 insulated cover and 10 minutes of effort can save you a $500 replacement.

Monitor weather December through February, act when freezes are forecast, and you'll protect your investment without the cost and hassle of full winterization. Jacksonville's mild winters are a blessing—don't let the occasional cold snap ruin your irrigation system.