Get Your Sprinkler System Ready for Winter (and a Smooth Spring)
Winter is coming fast in the Four Corners — and nothing ruins the start of spring like surprise sprinkler repairs. A lot of homeowners don’t realize this, but most of the costly issues we fix in April and May actually start during the cold months. Frozen valves. Cracked pipes. Controllers that reset after a power outage.
Now is the perfect time to make sure your system is tight, protected, and ready to roll once things warm up.
Below is a simple breakdown of what makes up your sprinkler system and what to look out for.
1. The Controller (AKA the Timer, the Brain, the Box)
Timer from 1977.
This is the part that tells your sprinkler system when to turn on and off.Some are basic. Some are “smart.” All of them can get messed up, especially after a power outage.
Common issues:
System running at the wrong time
Too many overlapping programs
Timer resetting itself to 12:00
If your system seems to “have a mind of its own,” it’s usually the controller. We can diagnose, fix, or reprogram it fast — and we offer monthly maintenance to keep it dialed in year-round.
2. Main Valve + Drain Valve
Recent Install.
These valves control the water coming into your sprinkler system. City water, well water, ditch water — every setup is different, but they all rely on these valves.
If a main valve starts leaking or seeping, it almost always needs replacement. A new one can last up to 25 years, so it’s worth doing right.
3. Backflow Prevention Device
If your home uses city water, this part is non-negotiable. It keeps dirty water (mud, fertilizer, debris) from flowing backward into your home’s drinking water.
If your system doesn’t have one, we highly recommend adding it ASAP — both for safety and because it’s often required.
4. Valves & Valve Manifold
Upgrading a valve system.
This is basically the “heart” of your system, dividing water into zones across your yard. These are usually buried in a plastic box underground. What matters most here are two things:
Quality valves
Waterproof wire connectors
If a valve box fills with water, that’s a red flag — usually a leak that needs quick attention before it damages more parts of the system.
5. Piping System
Your pipes might be PVC, poly pipe, or a mix. All work fine in our high-desert climate. What matters most is that they’re buried properly and the system is protected during winter.
If pipes freeze, they crack. If they crack, spring becomes expensive. We can help make sure everything is covered.
6. Sprinklers & Drip Emitters
Various types of in ground sprinklers.
Big heads, small heads, rotating heads, drip lines — it all counts.
During a spring startup, we check every head and emitter to make sure they’re spraying the right direction and not wasting water.
In the fall, we shut everything down safely for winter so nothing cracks when temps drop.
Our Diagnostic Process (Simple + Thorough)
Whenever we service a system, we always start with the controller and work outward.
We check:
Your programming
Run times
Time/date accuracy
If zones are working correctly
Any leaks, damage, or winter risk
Then we walk you through what we found and fix what needs fixing.
Seasonal Care: The Most Important Part
Sprinkler systems are supposed to make life easier — not stressful. But without seasonal care, even the best system can fail.
We recommend:
Spring startup
Mid-season adjustments
Fall winterization
Winterizing Matters Here More Than People Realize
Simply shutting off the water isn’t enough. Most winter damage happens in the valves, pipes, and heads that still hold water.
Our winterization is quick, simple, and in most cases can be done while you’re at work or out of town. Spending a little now can save hundreds once spring hits.
About Us
Priddy Irrigation has been serving the Four Corners since 2018. Whether you need repairs, maintenance, diagnostics, winterization, or a brand-new install, we’d love to help.
📞 Call or text: 505-801-1862
📩 Email: chad@priddylawncare.com
If we miss your call, just leave a message — we’ll get right back to you.
We appreciate your business and look forward to getting your system ready for a healthy, green spring.
— Chad Priddy
Working Owner,
Priddy Irrigation & Landscaping
