City of Austin

For Immediate Release – December 6, 2011

AUSTIN-- With freezing weather in the forecast, Austin Water is reminding residents to protect their property and prevent property damage and uncontrolled water loss due to frozen or broken water pipes by following the tips below:

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.
• Turn off irrigation systems during the winter months to protect pipes and conserve water.

In Sub-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.
• If temperatures are expected to be 28 degrees or below for at least 4 hours drip outside faucets 24 hours a day (5 drops per minute). Be sure to turn off the faucets after the threat of freezing weather.
• 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

• Shut 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.

Renters and tenants may be responsible for personal property damage caused by broken water pipes during severe weather conditions. Residents should contact property management/landlord or maintenance personnel to locate property owner’s cut-off valve and find ways to avoid pipe breakage during a freeze.

If a water line breaks and the cut off valve does not work or the customer is unable to locate or operate the value, Austin Water is available to turn off the water. Call Austin Water’s 24-Hour Emergency Hotline at 972-1000.