Colder temperatures are forecast. Watch those water pipes

Published on December 19, 2022

Night time temperatures are forecast to dip below freezing in the coming days. It’s time for residents and businesses to take steps to keep their water pipes from freezing and possibly bursting.

Here are some tips

• Make sure all outside pipes are insulated. Disconnect hoses from the faucet and cover the faucet.
• Check to see that pipes in unheated parts of your home or business (including crawl and attic spaces, under cabinets) are insulated.
• You may want to open cabinet doors that contain water pipes to allow heat to enter the areas.
• Turn off or unplug your irrigation system during the winter to prevent ice on sidewalks or streets. Drain the lines to prevent them from freezing and bursting. Use a licensed irrigator if you cannot do this yourself.
• Commercial buildings with fire sprinklers should leave the heat on overnight and on weekends when subfreezing temperatures are forecast.
• Make sure everyone in the household knows where the main water shut-off valve is in case a pipe breaks and you need to turn the water off in a hurry. Check this valve now to make sure it is working.
• Turn off your water supply at the valve on the resident’s side of the meter box if you plan to be gone for a long time.
• Keep extra water on hand during freezing weather in case a main break or frozen pipe cuts off your water supply.

What to do if you have no water: If it’s from a frozen pipe, it is safest to call a plumber to handle the problem. The pipe may be cracked and will burst when thawed. Don’t use an electrical appliance to heat the pipe. This could cause the pipe to burst, creating the risk of electrocution.

What to do in case of a water main break: Report the location of the running water or buckled pavement immediately by calling 817-392-4477 or by using the MyFW app.

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