When freezing temperatures threaten in and around the Austin area, the Austin Water Utility (AWU) offers residents the following tips for protecting their property during freezing weather. AWU recommends taking these precautions for preventing property damage and uncontrolled water loss due to freezing and possible broken water pipes:
Before Freezing Weather
- Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home.
- Remove garden hoses from outside faucets. Insulate outside faucets with Styrofoam cover, rags or paper.
- Cover vents around the foundation of your home.
- Know where your property owner’s cut-off valve is located and how to use it. Apply oil such as WD-40 to the cut-off valve before operating to prevent the valve from breaking. The valve is located adjacent to the water meter box under a 6” metal lid.
In Sub-Freezing Weather
- Drip outside faucets 24 hours a day (5 drops per minute). This is not necessary unless temperatures are expected to be 28 degrees or below for at least 4 hours. (Be sure to turn off the faucets after the threat of freezing weather.)
- Open cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.
- In unheated garages, shut off water to washing machines. Water softeners should be drained and protected from freezing temperatures.
- In sustained sub-freezing weather, let water drip slowly from inside faucets.
- Take extra precautions to protect pipes that have frozen in the past.
If You Are Not Going To Be At Home
- Cut water off at the property owner’s cut-off valve.
- Drain all outside water faucets if your house will be unoccupied for several days (leave outside faucets open).
- Or, leave home heating system on at a low setting.
- Open cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.
