To help protect your sprinkler system from damage during freezing
weather, you must wrap the Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB). It is the
only water-holding part of the system above ground, and it is
usually located in the front beds or on one side of the house in
the back yard. To winterize your system, simply follow these
steps:

Wrap complete brass unit with
insulated tape or armorflex sleeve and duct tape -being careful not
to cover up air inlet "Bonnet" (F) or test cocks (G). Also insulate
bare PVC or metal pipe going into this valve.
For Severe Freezes Lasting More than 24 Hours: Close valve handle
C, (turn clockwise), then turn on any yard zone via the control for
a moment to relieve the line pressure. Slowly open valve handle (C)
to recharge main to operate system again following the freeze.
For Continuous Freezing Temperatures Lasting 48+ Hours: Close
manual valve in green box in ground at street curb (by city meter)
(A), reopen PVB valve (C and D), turn on any yard zone via
controller - this empties most water in line.
Note: If you want to leave system off for several weeks and avoid
having to do this process each time it is expected to freeze, you
can follow directions #2 above, after activating controller go to
PVB and open valve handles to a "Half Closed" (45 degree) position.
Also open test cocks (G) to 45 degree position; you may need a
screw driver to open and visually check for 45 degree position.
Important:
When finished, make sure main shut off valve (A) remains closed to
prevent accidental refilling of the system. Also, the main shut-off
valve (A) should be resilient seated to prevent seepage of water
into the system.
To recharge the main, close all valves on PVB (C, D, G. F). Open
manual valve in green box in ground at street curb (by city meter)
(A). Slowly, re-open valves "C&D" to fill main line, system is
ready to operate.
This process is relatively simple to do and it is recommended to
water plants prior to a freeze to help insulate plant cells. The
routine before a freeze would be to activate system manually for
two to three minutes per zone then shut system down and go through
winterizing procedure.
Wrapping and/or draining the PVB does not guarantee that the system
will not sustain freeze damage; however, for our climate, it will
adequately protect the system in most cases.
Remember to call us at 832-545-9435 if you need your sprinkler
system repair, or for your annual PVB (required) inspection. This
inspection insures that the PVB is operating correctly at the time
of inspection. Typical charge for this inspection is $110.00
Click here to see a video of what you can expect
happening if you do not take precautions.
If you are planning to install a patio cover or pergola, large or
small, give us a call. We can assure you that we will be committed
to the creation of a unique, long lasting, outdoor living area for
your home! Give us a call today at
281-340-9206 or fill out
our
online
request for an appointment. We service the entire Houston
metropolitan area as well as San Antonio, Austin and Dallas. Become
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Houston Landscape Images is a select
Rain Bird contractor and a proud member of the Houston Gulf Coast
Irrigation Association.

IRRIGATION IN TEXAS IS REGULATED BY
THE TEXAS COMMISSION ON ENVIRONMENTAL QUALITY, PO BOX 13087,
AUSTIN, TX 78711