- As we expect temperatures to go below 28 degrees for more than four hours, it is best to keep indoor pipes warm and insulated. Open cabinets beneath kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer air to circulate around pipes. Insulate pipes located in unheated places like the garage with pipe insulation. You can also wrap pipes in heat tape or heat cables with a thermostat control. The best pipe insulation for your situation will depend on your home. Seal or caulk cracks that might let in frigid air, especially places where pipes run from inside to outside the home, such as dryer vents or water pipes. When the temperature is forecast to drop below 28 degrees for more than 4 hours, it is time to let your faucets drip. It does not need to be a running trickle — just enough to see water dripping. If you do drip your faucets, capture the water for future use.
- Know the location of your water shutoff – Locate the water main shutoff valve and keep it clear of debris and obstacles. This is important in the event you experience a leak inside your property. The property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box typically located at one of the front corners of the house (could be back corner if you have a corner lot). If you cannot find your shutoff valve or if it is damaged, then you should be prepared to access the District shutoff valve in the meter box. While the District discourages turning the valve in the meter box, we recognize that in the event of an emergency, all bets are off. If you don’t have a water meter valve key (which can be purchased at most hardware stores), a flathead screwdriver can help open the meter box and a wrench will turn the valve on the District side of the meter. Any questions, call us 512-238-0606.
- Weatherize Exposed Pipes and Water Heaters – Insulate pipes in unheated and drafty areas, such as an attic or garage. Also check manufacturer recommendations for your tanked and tankless water heaters. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to help keep pipes from freezing.
- Outside Faucets – Remove and dewater hoses from outside faucets and wrap exposed faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator. Irrigation systems should be off during the winter months to help conserve water.
- Preparedness Supplies – Having these supplies on hand will help you be prepared and avoid the rush at stores when the first winter storm of the season approaches.
- Water meter key or flathead screwdriver and adjustable wrench – to access your meter box (if needed)
- Insulation for indoor and outdoor pipes and hot water heaters
- Hose bib covers for outdoor faucets
- Battery powered radio and flashlight
- One gallon of water per person and pet per day for seven days
- Tune in for Emergency Alerts –
- Sign Up for Important Email Notifications. This will ensure your email address is enrolled in the MUD’s secure database. This database is used to notify residents of important, sometimes crucial information, such as water quality alerts and emergency notifications. Electronic messages are the best, fastest and most accurate way to receive essential information and the district encourages all residents to sign up and to keep email addresses current.
- Sign up for Emergency Alerts at WarnCentralTexas.org
- Bookmark fernbluffmud.org. Updates are posted under LATEST NEWS.
- District Facilities have been winterized. As a precaution, all Fern Bluff Park Restrooms will be locked from Friday, January 12th until at least Wednesday, January 17th (after threat of deep freeze passes.)
Make note: Fern Bluff MUD’s 24-Hour One-Number can be reached at (512) 238-0606, Option 1
