In the greater Houston area, occasional hard freezes - like those we’ve seen in recent winters - can wreak havoc on irrigation systems that aren’t properly prepared. Water left in pipes, valves, and backflow preventers freezes, expands, and causes cracks, leaks, or complete failures. Cold temperatures cause water inside pipes to freeze, resulting in expanding ice that puts pressure on the plumbing and leads to cold weather damage such as cracked pipes and leaks. At JB Irrigation & Services, we’ve been repairing freeze-damaged sprinkler systems across Houston and Southeast Texas since 1998. We know the unique challenges of our climate, from sudden cold snaps to the need for reliable backflow protection by code.

If your system wasn’t winterized or insulated before the last freeze, don’t wait for spring issues to worsen. Early repairs prevent water waste, foundation damage from leaks, and costly replacements. Common signs of freeze damage include soggy spots in your yard, low water pressure, non-popping heads, or visible leaks around exposed components. Be sure to inspect components regularly, including buried pipes and damaged sprinklers, for any signs of freeze damage.

Common Sprinkler Problems from Cold Weather in Houston

Here are the most frequent issues we see after freezes, along with repair insights:

1. Cracked or Leaky Pipes

The top cause of winter damage: residual water freezes and expands (by about 9%), cracking PVC pipes and creating leaks. This leads to puddles, reduced pressure, and potential foundation or landscape harm.

Signs: Wet, soggy areas in your yard even when the system isn’t running; hissing sounds or visible water pooling. You may witness a ‘Geyser’ of water coming out of the ground or a sprinkler fixture.

What to do: Shut off the water supply immediately. For underground or extensive damage, our pros handle excavation and replacement safely—avoid temporary fixes like tape, as they rarely hold long-term. Call JB Irrigation for professional inspection and repair.

2. Damaged or Broken Sprinkler Heads

Freeze expansion, ice, or debris can crack heads or prevent them from rising properly, causing uneven watering or flooding in spots. 

Signs: Heads that don’t pop up, spray incorrectly, or show cracks; damp patches around specific zones. 

What to do: Inspect for ice-related damage or wear. After turning the sprinkler system on, inspect all sprinkler heads while the system is running. Look for cracks and drips—ice expansion or shearing from mowing or snow removal can cause damage. Call us for a full zone check to ensure no deeper issues and professional repair.

3. Damaged Valves and Manifolds

Valves in exposed valve boxes or manifolds crack from freeze-thaw cycles, especially if not insulated. This disrupts water flow to zones. 

Signs: Zones that won’t turn on/off; constant dripping or no water to certain areas. 

What to do: Open the valve box post-winter and check for cracks/leaks. Replacement often requires professional tools to avoid further damage—our team specializes in this. If your sprinkler valves get damaged, your system will not deliver the right amount of water to your lawn.

4. Backflow Preventer Damage

A huge issue in Houston: these code-required devices (often above ground or in bushes) are highly vulnerable. Most backflow units have a bell-shaped lid on them. Freezes crack them, leading to leaks and potential contamination risks. 

Signs: Water leaking from the backflow; reduced system pressure. 

What to do: Insulate or wrap them pre-freeze; post-damage, we replace or repair quickly to meet regulations and prevent waste.

5. Blocked or Clogged Sprinkler Heads & Low Pressure

Debris from winter storms or freeze-related buildup clogs filters; leaks elsewhere drop pressure. 

Signs: Uneven coverage; heads with weak flow. Test zones—if pressure stays low, it signals a leak needing pro diagnosis.