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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.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Taking a few simple steps before and during freezing weather can help prevent plumbing damage and water service disruptions.

Protect Outdoor 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 Pipes Inside the Home

  • Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
  • Allow faucets to 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.

What to Do If You Have No Water

If your water stops flowing during freezing weather, it is likely due to frozen pipes.

Steps to Take

  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
    Repairs to customer plumbing must be completed by a licensed professional.
  3. Minimize Water Damage
    Use towels, fans, and dehumidifiers to dry affected areas.

Check for Leaks After a Freeze

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

Perform a 1-Hour Meter Test

  1. Ensure no water is being used.
  2. Record your meter reading.
  3. Wait one hour without using water.
  4. Recheck the meter.
    If the reading changes, a leak may be present.
Inspect Common Leak Sources
  • Toilets, faucets, irrigation systems
  • Add food coloring to toilet tanks; if color appears in the bowl without flushing, a leak exists.
    👉If you detect a leak, contact a licensed plumber for repairs.

Monitor Your Water Usage

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

 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:

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

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