Switch to the one-day schedule
From November 1 through March 31, both cities allow outdoor watering one day a week: Saturday for odd-numbered addresses and Sunday for even-numbered addresses. In Fresno, watering is never allowed between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. See the Fresno and Clovis schedule pages for the details and the City sources.
Set every program to your one day, and remove the other days. Then cut the run times back. Cooler, shorter days mean plants use far less water than in summer, so summer run times on one day a week can still overwater and cause runoff.
Rain
Turn the system off or set a rain delay when it rains. In Clovis, the City prohibits outdoor irrigation during and within 48 hours after measurable rainfall. A rain sensor or a smart controller can pause watering for you.
Freezes
Buried pipe isn’t usually the concern on a frosty Valley morning. What’s exposed is: the backflow preventer, any above-ground pipe, and drip tubing on the surface. Wrapping exposed pipe and the backflow preventer with insulation made for outdoor pipe helps on cold nights. After a hard freeze, run each zone and look for leaks.
Leaves, drip, and the controller
- Clear leaves off heads and out of valve boxes so heads can rise and seal.
- Flush the drip filter and check emitters, since plants need less water and clogs are easy to miss.
- Replace the controller’s backup battery if it has one, so a power outage doesn’t wipe your winter program.
A good time for repairs
Winter is a slow season for watering, which makes it a good time to fix leaks, valves, and coverage before the spring switch back to three days on April 1. Our Sprinkler Care Membership includes a winter check covering rain, freeze, and the one-day schedule, and a free 21-point inspection is a good place to start.
Safety first: if you can’t stop the water, close the shutoff valve for the irrigation system, or the main shutoff to the house. Before you dig anywhere, call 811 to have buried utility lines marked.
Written by ACRE Landscape Co., Fresno & Clovis. Updated October 26, 2026.