Prepare your Home for Freezing Temperatures

Rollingwood Residents,

While we don’t anticipate much precipitation in the coming week, there are multiple days of freezing temperatures in the forecast. Please review the following information about hoo to prepare your home for freezing weather:

Locate Your Water Shutoff:

Locate the water main shutoff valve and keep it clear of debris and obstacles at all times. For most homes, the property owner’s shutoff valve is on your side of the water meter at the meter box. For renters, please consult with your property manager. If you cannot find your shutoff valve, or if you only have a shutoff valve on the city side, contact the Rollingwood Public Works Department for shutoff.

Advise the Rollingwood Public Works Department if you will be out of town as they can assist in turning off water from the main to prevent pipes from freezing.

Weatherize to Keep Out Cold Air:

Make repairs to broken or drafty windows, doors, and walls. Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. Winterize unheated spaces and be prepared to close garage doors for the duration of the freeze. Gather supplies to cover vents on your home’s foundation.

Weatherize Exposed Pipes and Water Heaters:

Prepare to 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. Get all supplies now so you are ready to wrap pipes and water heaters when a winter storm is approaching.

Prepare supplies to wrap outside faucets with towels or a Styrofoam insulator.

Learn How to Drip Faucets Properly:

After the measures above are taken, drip one cold water faucet slowly if you feel your pipes may still freeze. The faucet you choose should be the one that is the greatest distance from your main shutoff valve. It does not need to be a running trickle. You can capture the water used to drip faucets for future use. Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air circulation around pipes.

Watch this Austin Water Video about How and When to Drip your Faucet during Winter Weather: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzcvjv_9KZk&t=1s 

Gather Supplies:

Have one gallon of water per person and pet per day for seven days. Create an emergency supply kit for home, work, and vehicle with supplies including but not limited to: food, water, batteries, flashlights/lanterns, blankets, baby supplies, warm clothing, personal hygiene items and medications.

Heat Your Home Safely:

Only use generators and grills outdoors and away from windows.  Never heat your home with a gas stovetop or oven to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

More Tips for Potential Freezing Weather from Austin Water: https://www.austintexas.gov/department/cold-weather-tips-potential-freezing-weather   

Important Numbers:

Rollingwood City Hall: 512-327-1838

Rollingwood Police Department Non-Emergency Number: 512-328-1900 (Select option for the on-call officer)

Water or Wastewater Emergencies (Crossroads Utility Services): 512-246-1400

The measures listed above will help protect you and your home during extended periods of freezing temperatures. We will be monitoring the weather over the next few days and will provide updates as necessary.

Please reach out to City Hall at 512-327-1838 with any questions.

Sincerely,

City of Rollingwood