Photo by Danny-Fulgencio.
In the face of an impending cold front that will bring freezing temperatures, Dallas Water Utilities has created a guide for neighbors looking to prevent damage to their properties. We’ve broken the steps down to just the highlights. Check it out.
Prepare pipes for freezing weather
Before a freeze occurs, neighbors are advised to wrap all exposed pipes on their property, — located outside or in unheated areas — remove and drain garden hoses from outdoor faucets, insulate outdoor faucets and cover vents around the foundations of pier and beam homes.
During subfreezing temperatures, neighbors are advised to let hot and cold water slowly drip from inside facets and to open cabinet doors under sinks on outside walls.
Finding your private water shut-off valve
Private water shut-off valves can typically be found by an outside faucet near a home. For those with in-ground irrigation systems, shut-off valves may be located near their irrigation system valves — usually somewhere close to the property line.
Homeowners with older properties can stop water flow by locating a small (quarter-inch) iron piece protruding from the underground shut-off valve and turning the handle perpendicular to the pipe.
Check your automatic sprinklers
Neighbors are advised to ensure that their automatic sprinkler systems have a rain and freeze sensor. These sensors prevent irrigation controllers from running if temperatures drop below freezing.
For those who won’t be home
Neighbors who will not be occupying their homes for several days should use their private shut-off valves to turn off water and drain all outdoor water faucets.
