Winterize Your Sprinklers Before It’s Too Late 
Albuquerque doesn’t get the kind of brutal winters you see up north, but don’t let that fool you. A cold snap here can still wreck sprinkler systems. I’ve seen it happen after just a couple of freezing nights—pipes split underground, backflow preventers cracked wide open, and whole yards turned into repair projects come spring. That’s why taking time to winterize sprinklers is just as important here as it is anywhere else.
Why Winterizing Still Matters in the Desert
Because Albuquerque winters are usually mild, some homeowners figure the system can handle it. But the truth is, it’s the swings that do the damage. One day it’s 60, the next it’s 20. That quick freeze-thaw cycle is what traps and expands water inside pipes. Even if it’s dry most of the season, a couple of hard freezes are enough to cause leaks.
Step One: Shut Off the Water
First things first—turn off the water supply to your sprinkler system. For most Albuquerque homes, that means shutting a valve near the main supply or meter. Doing this before the first deep freeze keeps new water from seeping into the lines.
And don’t forget the backflow preventer. Since those devices usually sit above ground, they’re the first things to freeze. Wrap it in insulation or use a cover to keep it safe.
Step Two: Drain the Lines
Turning off the water doesn’t clear what’s already in the pipes. That leftover water is what freezes, expands, and cracks fittings. To fully winterize, you need to drain.
- Some systems in Albuquerque have automatic drains.
- Others require manual valves.
- And then there’s the “blow-out” method, where you use compressed air to push water out of the pipes.
Here’s the caution: too much air pressure can damage your lines. I’ve seen do-it-yourselfers blast their pipes wide open trying to save money. If you’re unsure, it’s better to have a pro handle it.
Step Three: Adjust the Controller
Your sprinkler controller doesn’t need to keep running. Either set it to “off” or use the “rain mode.” Don’t let it keep cycling—running the system with frozen water lines does more harm than good.
Step Four: Inspect Before Winter Hits
Fall is the best time to check for broken heads, leaky valves, or clogged filters. If something’s already weak, a freeze will finish it off. Fixing those now means a smoother start-up in spring.
Timing in Albuquerque
Unlike Minnesota or Colorado, where winterization happens by October, you’ve got a little more wiggle room here. Most Albuquerque homeowners aim for late November or early December—right before nighttime lows drop into the 20s. Don’t wait until the first freeze warning, though. By then, it’s already risky.
Why Call in the Pros
At Red Shovel Landscaping, we’ve winterized sprinklers across Albuquerque neighborhoods for years. We don’t just drain the lines—we check valves, filters, and backflows at the same time. Like we say, our only way is all the way. Because nothing’s worse than thinking your system is safe only to find puddles and leaks in March.
FAQ
Do Albuquerque sprinklers really need winterizing?
Yes. Even mild freezes here can crack exposed pipes and backflow preventers.
When’s the best time to do it?
Late November, before the coldest nights hit.
Can I just turn the water off and leave it?
No. Water left in the pipes will freeze and expand, causing breaks.
Is blowing out the lines necessary here?
Most of the time, yes. Because soil here doesn’t stay frozen long, but one good hard freeze is all it takes to cause cracks.
Don’t Wait for a Freeze Warning
Taking the time to winterize sprinklers in Albuquerque isn’t overkill—it’s protection. A couple of hours now saves hundreds in repairs later. If you’re not sure your system’s ready, give Red Shovel Landscaping a call. We’ll check, drain, and prep it right.
