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Winterize Plumbing

Freezing temperatures can cause household plumbing to freeze, resulting in little to no water inside the home or burst pipes. During winter weather, most water issues occur on customer-owned plumbing, not within the water system.

This page provides clear steps to help you protect your plumbing, safely restore water flow if pipes freeze, and know when to check for service updates from Texas Water Company.

Protecting Pipes

Protecting Outside Plumbing:

  • Cover outdoor faucets, spigots, and backflow preventers with insulating foam covers or insulated bags.
  • Insulate exposed pipes with foam insulation. Towels or blankets may be used temporarily, but keep them dry and covered with plastic.
  • Shut down and drain sprinkler and irrigation systems before freezing temperatures arrive.

Protect Inside Plumbing:

  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
  • Allow faucets to slow drip slightly during freezing temperatures to relieve pressure.
  • Seal air leaks around plumbing with caulk, and weatherstrip doors, windows, and wall openings.

Leaving Town?

If you plan to be away:

  • Consider turning off your water at the meter
  • Open faucets to drain remaining water from pipes
  • Before restoring service, ensure faucets are turned back off.

Please note: Texas Water does not shut off water service due to freezing weather.

Frozen Pipes 

If your water stops flowing during freezing weather, it is likely due to frozen pipes. If you do have frozen pipes, do the following:
  1. Turn on the Faucet: Open the faucet connected to the frozen pipe. This helps relieve pressure as the ice melts.
  2. Thaw Pipes Safely
    1. Use a hair dryer or warm towels.
    2. Apply heat slowly, starting near the faucet and moving toward the frozen section.
    3. Do NOT use open flames, blowtorches, or space heaters.

  3. Check for Leaks

    As pipes thaw, watch for leaks that could indicate a cracked or burst pipe.

 If a Pipe Bursts:

  1. Turn off the water at the meter to stop the water flow.
  2. Contact a Licensed Plumber for repairs
  3. Minimize Water Damage: Use towels, fans, and dehumidifiers to dry affected areas.

After freezing weather

Freezing weather can cause hidden leaks, leading to higher water usage.

Monitor Your Water Usage

Monitoring water usage after freezing weather can help identify leaks early.

If you have inconsistencies in your usage, follow these steps to help identify leaks https://www.txwaterco.com/customer-care/how-detect-and-address-water-leaks

 Service Alerts & Updates

If there is a confirmed system issue or service interruption, Texas Water Company will:
  • Post updates on our Service Alerts page
  • Notify customers using our Everbridge communication system (email, phone, or text)
👉 View current service alerts here: https://www.txwaterco.com/service-alerts

Here's a video on how to prepare your irrigation for cooler weather.

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