Why Do Sprinkler Backflow Valves Burst During Freezes in Colorado Springs?

Listen to Article

Short answer: Sprinkler backflow preventers burst during freezes in Colorado Springs because they sit exposed above ground and hold water in brass bodies, test cocks, and valves. When temperatures drop suddenly, especially during early fall or late spring cold snaps before or after winterization, that trapped water freezes, expands, and cracks the valve. If the supply isn’t shut off, water can flood landscaping, basements, or crawl spaces.

Colorado Springs is known for dramatic temperature swings. A warm October afternoon can turn into a hard freeze overnight, and spring snowstorms are common well into May. Many homeowners run irrigation late into fall or turn it on early in spring, which leaves backflow assemblies full of water at exactly the wrong time.

What is a backflow preventer and why is it exposed?

A backflow preventer is a valve assembly that keeps irrigation water from flowing back into the home’s drinking water supply, and it’s often installed above ground near the house. Above-ground installation allows testing and maintenance, but it also exposes the valve to cold.

Common types include pressure vacuum breakers and reduced pressure assemblies.

Why do they burst in freezes?

They burst because water left inside freezes and expands, cracking brass bodies, bonnets, and test cocks. Even a short hard freeze can cause damage.

Risk factors:

• Late fall irrigation before winterization
• Early spring start-up before the last freeze
• Valves without insulated covers
• Partial winterization that leaves water in the assembly

Can a backflow burst damage the house?

Yes, if the irrigation supply line inside the house isn’t shut off, water can spray from the cracked valve and saturate soil near the foundation, flooding basements or window wells. In some installations, the supply line runs through the basement wall, where a frozen pipe inside the home can also split.

What should you do if the valve bursts?

Shut off the irrigation supply valve inside the house, usually in the basement or mechanical room, and call for help if water reached the home.

1. Close the irrigation shutoff
2. Check the basement and window wells
3. Photograph damage
4. Call an irrigation professional for the valve
5. Call a restoration company for interior water

What does burst pipe water damage repair involve?

Burst pipe water damage repair includes extraction, moisture mapping, removal of wet materials, drying, and repairs. Property Craft lists burst pipe cleanup among its water damage services.

Why does a 24 hour water damage company matter?

Freezes often happen overnight, and fast response limits how much water reaches finished basements.

How can you prevent backflow bursts?

Winterize irrigation before the first hard freeze, insulate the assembly, and wait until the last frost to start up.

Why are freezes in Colorado Springs so tricky?

Freezes in Colorado Springs are tricky because temperatures can swing 30 degrees or more in a day, and early or late freezes catch irrigation systems still in use. A warm fall day can lull homeowners into running sprinklers, followed by a hard overnight freeze.

Where else can freeze damage occur in the home?

Freeze damage can also occur in hose bibs, pipes in exterior walls, garage plumbing, and crawl spaces. Frost-free hose bibs can still burst if a hose is left attached.

How is interior water damage from a burst valve cleaned up?

Cleanup includes extracting water, drying basements and window wells, removing wet materials, and repairing finishes. Property Craft’s services include water removal, structural drying, and dehumidification.

What does winterization involve?

Winterization typically includes shutting off the irrigation supply, draining the backflow preventer and lines, and often blowing out lines with compressed air. Many homeowners hire an irrigation company for this.

What does a cracked backflow preventer look like?

A cracked backflow preventer may show split brass, a broken bonnet, water spraying from test cocks, or ice bulging from the valve body. Sometimes the damage only becomes obvious when the system is turned back on in spring and water sprays from the assembly.

Signs to check after a freeze:

• Visible cracks or bulges in the valve body
• Water dripping or spraying near the assembly
• Soggy soil near the house where the supply line enters
• A sudden jump in your water bill

Why does the indoor shutoff matter so much?

The indoor irrigation shutoff isolates the sprinkler system from the house, so if the backflow cracks outside, closing that valve stops the water. Many homeowners don’t know where it is. In homes in Colorado Springs, it’s often in the basement or mechanical room near the main water line. Label it so everyone in the household can find it.

Does burst pipe water damage repair differ for basements?

Yes, basements with finished walls and carpet usually need extraction, removal of wet pad and drywall, and extended drying because below-grade spaces dry slowly. Window wells can also fill with water from saturated soil near a broken line. Property Craft offers flooded basement and crawl space services along with burst pipe cleanup.

Related services: Colorado Springs Water Damage Restoration

Frequently Asked Questions

When should I winterize irrigation in Colorado Springs?

Before the first hard freeze, often in early to mid fall.

Does insurance cover a burst backflow?

The valve itself may not be covered. Resulting interior water damage may be.

Can I insulate the valve myself?

Insulated covers are widely available, but they don’t replace winterization.

Call Property Craft Restoration

If a burst valve or pipe has caused water damage, call Property Craft Restoration at (719) 782-8629.