As temperatures start to warm up this week, many may experience ruptured pipes when they begin to thaw from the deep freeze of the last several days.
- The first and most important step you need to take is to turn off your water immediately.
- If you notice any outdoor leaks or breaks in your neighborhood, report them immediately to your city.
- Please make sure to only use 9-1-1 for police, fire or life-threatening medical help. Contact your utility for power and water emergencies.
As the wholesale water provider, we recommend you contact your direct water utility provider if you need assistance in shutting off the water main valve to your home or business. Each of our Member Cities and Customers have the appropriate contact information listed on their websites. We have those resources available for you here.
Here is a quick instructional video on how to shut off the water main valve if you experience a break. Read more on how much water is lost due to broken pipes and water leaks.
You can also download this step-by-step flyer:
The City of Frisco also shared the following home care tips to prepare for rising temperatures:
Ahead of thawing temperatures, please inspect your home thoroughly and often. Pipe bursts and sources of water damage do not always originate inside your home.
- Locate your water meter or house shut off valve for quick access. Your meter is likely marked on the street curb with “WM”. If possible, understand how to and be ready to turn off if necessary. It may require special tools to open a water meter lid. WATCH this video from the Frisco Fire Department.
- Watch (often) for wet carpet or floors at baseboards. Do not forget your closets. Focus on exterior walls, especially at exterior hose bib connections.
- Listen for unusual sounds in your home when no water is being used.
- Inspect outside exterior walls at the foundation for water exiting brick or siding.
- Monitor your yard for super saturated soil. Irrigation systems can also freeze and burst.
- Watch for ice dams at roof valleys and home intersections. Melting snow and ice can enter homes when dammed at rooflines.
- Inspect pool equipment for broken pipes and housings.
A frozen, damaged pipe may not leak for many days after above freezing temperatures depending on the location, severity, and conditions. So, continue to monitor your home to avoid damage caused by freezing temperatures. A plumber may also be a good resource to help recover after freezing weather conditions.