Winterize / Weather Alerts

Sprinkler System Winterization -Videos (BELOW) + Additional Information on Winterizing Your Sprinkler System

With colder weather upon us it is advisable to alert Windsor Lakes homeowners of possible damage to your irrigation systems backflow. Maintenance of irrigation systems is the responsibility of each homeowner. While Houston is known for mild winters, in 2007 and 2008, temperatures got down to 23 degrees, causing a lot of damage to pipes and specifically to backflows. Most, if not all, systems in Windsor Lakes are made by Febco – model number 765.

In April 2010, the Board voted to no longer be responsible going forward for damage to sprinkler systems.

Windsor Lakes Lawn Service Winterization

Windsor Lakes Lawn Service will “Winterize” the sprinkler system. (Watch the videos below to learn more about Sprinkler System Winterization Tips).

Please Note: Residents are responsible for:

  1. Turning off the controllers in the garage.
  2. Ensuring the backflow pipes are completely wrapped and covers are provided.
  3. Ensuring access is available and visible to the sprinkler system main shut-off valve.

Windsor Lakes Lawn Service will:

  1. Shut off valves on the backflow system.
  2. Bleed the vacuum breaker.
  3. Install the covers provided by residents.
  4. Where visible and accessible, turn off the water main to the sprinkler system. Note: Residents are responsible for ensuring access to and visibility of the water main to the sprinkler system.

Febco issues the following warning on their website: “Backflow prevention assemblies must be drained for the winter in areas where freezing temperatures may occur. If water inside the assembly should freeze, damage to the assembly and the system may occur. Proper draining procedures, insulation from freezing using heat tape, and heated protective enclosures are all methods of freeze protection.”

Winterizing Your Sprinkler System – Wise Guys

Additional Videos

For a detailed printable instruction sheet, click this link: Download the Febco Model Diagrams

Printed copies are also available for pick-up at the Windsor Lodge front desk.
For FEBCO – Model Number 765 — Diagrams, Servicing, and Draining Instructions.

Previous Newsletter Article

Irrigation System Damage During a Hard Freeze

Click Here to view and print a pdf.