Austin does not get a Denver winter, but a February freeze still splits backflow bodies and above-grade PVC. We wrap, drain where it helps, and come back in spring to run every station and replace what cracked.
Austin does not need a northern blowout. It does need the isolation valve shut and the backflow wrapped when a freeze is on the map. Charged PVC above grade is what splits.
Spring start-up is a full station run, not a glance at the clock. We look for cracked bodies, failed diaphragms, and heads the winter heaved. Then we set the program for the current watering days.
Georgetown and the hill country see the same February freezes. We put those on the same trucks as the Austin metro run.
What we look for
- Forecast below freezing overnight
- Cracked backflow after a cold snap
- A station that ran all winter and now will not
- Need a spring start-up before the first mow
On the visit
- Shut the isolation valve and relieve pressure
- Insulate the backflow and exposed pipe
- At start-up, run and inspect every station
- Replace freeze-broken parts and set the clock
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