As winter weather arrives in North Texas, protect your home and pipes when cold hits by using these tips to prepare areas vulnerable to freeze damage.
Locate Your Water Shutoff Valve
Make sure everyone in the home knows where the water shutoff valve is always located and keep it clear of debris and obstacles. For our customers, the property owner’s shutoff valve is located on your side of the water meter at the meter box. For more information on how to close your shutoff valve, click here.
Winterize Outdoor Faucets
Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a foam insulator. Turn off and drain garden hoses and irrigation systems. You will also want to insulate any above-ground backflow devices. Be sure to turn off any sprinkler systems so water is not applied to yards or sidewalks, which could freeze over and become a hazard.
Protect Indoor Pipes
Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas such as the garage, crawlspace, and attic ahead of time. Check with your local home improvement store for materials to insulate your pipes. Open cabinets beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes. Be sure to remove any toxic substances located in these cabinets so that children or pets cannot accidentally come into contact with them.
Prepare Before Leaving Town
If you plan to be away when freezing temperatures are possible, you will want to take the same precautions, so you do not return home to surprise damage. To eliminate the chance of a leak happening in your home, turn off your water at the shutoff valve. If possible, set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher.
Drip Only If Needed
After the measures above are taken, drip one water faucet slowly if you feel your pipes may still freeze. The faucet you choose to drip should be the one that is the furthest distance from your main shutoff valve.
Thawing Pipes After a Freeze
If a pipe is frozen, the pipe may crack and burst when thawed. If you experience frozen pipes, make sure to inspect for leaks when the pipes thaw. If you experience a leak due to damaged pipes, be sure to turn off the shutoff valve until the leak has been repaired.
Sometimes, the meter is the most exposed equipment and can freeze, particularly if the meter box lid is not properly in place. If you strongly suspect a frozen meter, call the office at 817-760-5200. If the call is after business hours, please call our after-hours emergency number at 817-760-5255. If you suspect a water main is broken, immediately call so it can be repaired as soon as possible. Signs of a broken water main are water running down the pavement or in the ditch.