Austin Water Cold Weather Tips
As the winter season approaches, Austin Water urges customers to take steps now to prepare for freezing temperatures. While Austinites often enjoy mild winters, Winter Storm Uri of February 2021 demonstrated that we must prepare for more severe and prolonged freezing weather.
Download Our Winter Weather Tip Sheet
Our Winter Weather Tips are also available in the following languages:
Prepare for Freezing Weather
Locate your water shut off
Ensure that everyone in your residence knows where the water main shutoff valve is, and make sure it is clear of debris.
In case of an emergency, first try to shut off the water using the property owner’s shutoff valve. In our service area, this valve is typically on your side of the water meter, at your meter box. (For renters, please consult with your property manager.)
If you cannot find it, or your valve is damaged, be prepared to use the City shutoff valve in the meter box. You may need a water meter key, available in most hardware stores.
Keep out cold air
Tightly close doors and windows. Repair any broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Fix leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated areas and keep your garage doors closed during the freeze.
Exposed pipes and water heaters
Insulate pipes in unheated or drafty areas like attics or garages. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for tanked and tankless water heaters. You can find pipe insulation materials at hardware and plumbing supply stores.
Outside faucets
Turn off outside faucets, remove hoses, and insulate faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems.
Prepare before leaving town
If you’ll be away during freezing temperatures, turn off your water at the meter and maintain a thermostat setting of 65 degrees or higher.
- Emergency Supplies
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The new My ATX Water meter box lids can be opened with a standard meter box lid key. Use the key to press down the spring mechanism before turning it to open the lid. Please be cautious to prevent damage to the wires connecting the lid to the meter inside the box.
- During Freezing Weather (1-2 days)
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*For extended Freeze (more than 2 days)
Austin Water will provide guidance for protecting your pipes and our water system infrastructure during the freeze. Follow our instructions for the best advice:
- Thawing pipes after freeze
If you only have a trickle of water or no water coming out, you may have a frozen pipe or water meter. Take the following steps:
If these steps do not work, contact a licensed plumber or your property manager for assistance.