By Jennifer Nations, Water Resource Coordinator
With temperatures expected to plummet this weekend, now is the time to take action to protect your home and family from the risk of broken pipes.
Water expands on freezing, so water left in pipes and sprinkler systems can freeze, expand, and bam – you have a big, messy water leak. But if you take the appropriate precautions in advance, you can reduce the risk and avoid the muddy mess.
If you, or someone you know, is planning to be away from home during the freeze or soon after temperatures rise above freezing, ensure the water is turned off. That proactive move can prevent costly repair bills from broken pipes while residents are away.
Before the Freeze
- Well-watered plants can tolerate a freeze better than drought-stressed plants. If you choose to give your plants a drink, be sure to avoid runoff that can turn into ice, and complete watering well before freezing temperatures hit.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses from outside faucets.
- Insulate exposed pipes or faucets in unheated areas with a Styrofoam cover, rags, or paper.
- Ensure everyone in your house knows where to find the master water shutoff valve. You can usually find it between the water meter and your home.
- Drain your in-ground sprinkler system, including the backflow prevention device, then turn off the water to your system at the isolation valve, which is also usually near the water meter.
- Wrap or cover exposed PVC pipes and above-ground backflow preventers.
- After any pre-freeze watering is complete, turn your irrigation controller to OFF and leave it there. If the controller isn’t turned off, it will run.
- Pay close attention to exposed backflow prevention devices. If they freeze, they can cause significant leaks – often in the form of geysers.
During the Freeze
- Don’t run your irrigation system. It’s not only a violation of city ordinance; the runoff can also freeze on streets and sidewalks, creating a hazard for drivers and pedestrians.
- Again, the controller will run if it isn’t in the OFF position. Note that some controllers lose their programming during a power outage, and when they’re plugged back in, they revert to the default mode and water daily. So, don’t unplug your controller.
- To drip or not to drip? This is debated during each freezing weather event. The answer depends on your home’s plumbing (e.g., whether the water lines are in the attic). Keeping pipes insulated and warm goes a long way to preventing freezing. Open cabinets with exposed pipes to let your home’s heat in (but be sure to keep children and pets away from dangerous substances).
If you have a water leak or power outage, contact College Station Utilities’ 24-hour hotline at 855-528-4278 and have your account number ready. Please don’t call 911, which would needlessly divert critical health and safety resources.
In addition, CSU’s electric outage map can provide up-to-date information if you can access the internet through a mobile device.
For more information, contact me at 979-764-6223 or jnations@cstx.gov. Be safe and stay warm!
About the Blogger
Jennifer Nations has been the City of College Station’s water resource coordinator since 1999 after two years as BVSWMA’s environmental compliance officer. She’s also chair of the Water Conservation and Reuse Division for the Texas Section of the American Water Works Association. A native of Fremont, Calif., Jennifer earned a bachelor’s degree in environmental & resource science from UC-Davis in 1995 and a master’s degree in water management & hydrologic science from Texas A&M in 2016.
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