Dickinson’s Water District offers these tips to be prepared if freezing temperatures threaten our area.
Preparing for Freezing Weather
LOCATE YOUR WATER SHUTOFF
Locate the water main shutoff valve at your residence and know how close it. If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, call Dickinson’s Water District at 281-337-1576 to have us shut off your water at the meter. DO NOT attempt to go into the meter box yourself.
EXPOSED PIPES AND WATER HEATERS
Insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas such as attics and garages. Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tank and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing.
OUTSIDE FAUCETS
Turn off outside faucets. Remove all connected hoses and wrap faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Turn off and drain automatic sprinkler systems.
PREPARE BEFORE LEAVING TOWN
If you plan to be away during a time when freezing temperatures are possible, turn off your water at your house and set your thermostat to 65 degrees or higher.
TIP
Fill up your bathtub with water before a freeze so that in the event of a loss of water pressure you have a supply of water to flush toilets.
For an Extended Freeze
The district will monitor conditions that impact our water infrastructure throughout the freeze and keep you up to date on developments through our social media platforms and website. Follow instructions from the district for the best guidance on protecting your pipes and Dickinson’s water system infrastructure at wcid1.com.
Emergency Supplies to Have on Hand
- INSULATION for indoor and outdoor pipes
- HOSE BIB COVERS for outdoor faucets
- Battery powered RADIO and FLASHLIGHT
- Have enough water – 1 GALLON PER PERSON PER DAY FOR 7 DAYS
During Freezing Weather
PROTECT INDOOR FAUCETS
Open cabinets beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks on outer walls to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes. Remove any toxic substances located in these cabinets if there are children or pets living in the residence.
DO NOT DRIP FAUCETS
Dripping faucets to prevent frozen pipes can cause a loss of water pressure throughout the district, resulting in the fire department not having enough water to fight fires.
SIGN UP FOR WCID #1 EMERGENCY ALERTS: GCWCID1.net/Alerts
REPORT A PROBLEM: 281-337-1576
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