Time is critical. Follow these steps immediately.
Step 1: Shut Off the Main House Water Supply
This will stop all water flow to the home and irrigation system.
Typical Locations:
Basement or crawlspace near the front wall
Utility room or garage
Exterior wall closest to the water meter
How to Turn It Off:
Turn the handle clockwise
For ball valves, rotate the lever so it is perpendicular to the pipe
⚠️ Important: Once the main water is off, do not attempt to turn the irrigation system back on until repairs are completed.
Step 2: Locate the Dedicated Irrigation Shut-Off Valve IF You Know its Location
Most homes have a separate shut-off valve for the irrigation system, independent of the house water supply.
Where to Look:
Near the main water meter
Inside a green rectangular or circular valve box in the yard
Along the side of the house, typically near the foundation
How to Shut It Off:
Ball valve: Turn the handle clockwise until it is perpendicular to the pipe
Gate valve: Turn the handle clockwise until it stops
If the valve turns easily and water pressure drops, you’ve successfully shut off irrigation water.
Step 3: Avoid Temporary Fixes
Do not attempt to:
Patch cracked pipes with tape
Tighten broken backflow fittings
Repressurize the system “to check it”
Freeze damage often extends beyond what is immediately visible. Pressurizing the system can cause additional failures underground.
Why Professional Irrigation Repair Matters
Freeze-burst irrigation damage is rarely isolated to one fitting. A proper irrigation repair includes:
Pressure testing all zones
Inspecting the backflow preventer
Checking valves and lateral lines
Replacing cracked PVC and brass components correctly
Cutting corners now often leads to repeat failures later in the season.
Prevent This from Ever Happening Again: Irrigation Winterizing
Professional irrigation winterizing is the single most effective way to prevent freeze damage.
A proper winterization includes:
Shutting down the water supply correctly
Clearing lines with compressed air
Draining backflow preventers
Securing exposed components against cold snaps
Homeowners who winterize properly avoid emergency calls, water damage, and costly repairs.
Call for Emergency Irrigation Repairs in the Mid-South
If your irrigation system is actively leaking or has suffered freeze damage, immediate professional intervention is critical. Our team provides emergency irrigation repairs, backflow replacements, and full system inspections throughout Germantown, Collierville, Bartlett, Cordova, Arlington, Piperton, Rossville, and North Mississippi.
If you want to avoid this situation entirely next winter, now is the time to schedule professional irrigation winterizing.
Call today to stop the damage — and prevent the next disaster.