Freeze warnings in parts of Central Texas
Many areas in Central Texas are under a freeze warning through Friday morning.
Below are tips from Austin Water on how to protect your home in freezing temperatures.
Before Freezing Weather:
• Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home.
• Remove garden hoses from outside faucets.
• Cover vents around the foundation of your home.
• Know where your property owner’s cut-off valve is located and how to use it. The valve is located adjacent to the water meter box under a 6" metal lid.
In Sub-Freezing Weather:
• Drip outside faucets 24 hours a day (5 drops per minute). This is not necessary unless temperatures are expected to be 28 degrees or below for at least 4 hours. (Be sure to turn off the faucets after the threat of freezing weather.)
• Open cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.
• In unheated garages, shut off water to washing machines. Water softeners should be drained and protected from freezing temperatures.
• In sustained sub-freezing weather, let water drip slowly from inside faucets.
•Take extra precautions to protect pipes that have frozen in the past.
If You Are Not Going To Be At Home:
• Shut water off at the property owner’s cut-off valve.
• Drain all outside water faucets if your house will be unoccupied for several days (leave outside faucets open).
• Or, leave home heating system on at a low setting.
• Open cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.