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TIPS TO AVOID FROZEN PIPES

During COLD weather events,  residents should take precautions to prevent water and sewer pipes from freezing.

• Be sure all pipes outside the house are wrapped and check to see that pipes in unheated parts of your home, including crawl space and attic space, are insulated.

• Check to be sure outside faucets are secure.

• Keep the lid on the meter box to prevent the meter from freezing up.

• Make sure everyone in the house knows where the main shut off valve is in case a pipe breaks and it is necessary to turn off the water in a hurry.

• If you must leave your house vacant for a long time, turn off your water supply at the gate valve on the residents side of the meter box.  You may need a plumber to do the work needed to prepare pipes to prevent damage.

• During prolonged freezes, open all cabinet doors that contain water pipes.  You may want to place a lamp in the cabinets so the bulb can keep the area warm.

• Keep plenty of water drawn up at all times in case a main breaks or frozen pipes cut off your water supply.

• As a last resort, keep a very low trickle of water flowing from the highest faucet in the house.  It is important to do this only as a last resort to ensure a continuous water supply.  Large water mains are more likely to break during freezing weather and water pressure may already be low.

If you have no water and think a pipe may be frozen, follow these steps:

• Call AMUD at (817)326-4720 or (817) 573-2235 after hours so a representative can check to see if your meter is frozen.

• If the meter is not frozen -- then the private plumbing is probably frozen at the point where the pipe goes under the house.  Check here first.

• If the pipe is frozen -- it is safest to call a plumber to handle the problem.  The pipe may be cracked and will burst when thawed, spraying water unto any electrical appliance.

• If you decide to thaw the pipe yourself -- be aware of the dangers.  Apply heat slowly with a light bulb, a hair dryer set on low, the exhaust from a vacuum cleaner or apply heat tape.  Use your hands to find the coldest point on the pipe, which usually where the ice is.  Keep the heat moving in that general area, but never concentrate heat on one spot.

CONTACT AMUD AT (817) 326-4720 OR (817) 573-2235 after hours if you see a broken water main.  Signs of a broken water main are water running down the ditch and/or buckled pavement..

Texas Water Board Publication - 01/01/1996

TIPS FOR YOUR HOME, LAWN AND DURING FREEZING WEATHER.

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Please direct billing or payment inquires to the office at (817) 326-4720 during business hours.