As the winter storm thaws, water supplies are the next hurdle for Houston.
Keep in mind, however, that the Houston area is below a boiling point. This is about the bursting of pipes.
Water in the pipe freezes, causing the pipe to burst. As soon as the water is no longer frozen, floods occur. (Reddit has a scary looking photo of a soaked apartment building.)
Pipes are said to be buried below the frost line, an invisible line that indicates how deep the groundwater is likely to freeze. In Texas, pipes are generally buried between 1 and 2 feet, which would not pose a threat under normal winter conditions. Unfortunately, this wasn’t a normal winter storm.
If you think you have a problem, give a plumber a call (especially since these are secured and you might have to wait a few days). If you don’t know, here is a checklist on how to find out.
This is how you can tell if your pipes are frozen
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Look for drips or damp areas such as damp drywall, rings on the ceiling, and water retention in taps and other water pipes (toilet, washing machine).
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Look in unexpected areas of your home that aren’t heated, such as the bathroom. B. crawl spaces, attics and garages that are particularly prone to freezing.
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Check that your plumbing is working normally. If the water does not flow, or if it has an odor or discoloration, it is a sign that a pipe may have burst.
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Check your water meter. If it’s showing movement and you’re not running water faucets, it’s also a sign that a pipe may have burst.
If you find evidence that your pipes have burst, consider turning off the water at this point or at the main valve to avoid further costly damage.
How to access your water meter
Houston water meters are usually located near the curb outside your home and have a direct line that connects to your outside faucet. So look near your outside tap.
The meter is located underground and can be identified by its heavy, round manhole cover (usually labeled “water”).
You can use a screwdriver or other large metal rod, but there is a spring under the lid that you need to unlock like a doorknob, and the water meter buttons have a small notch that works perfectly.
Hardware stores sell water meter keys that are specifically designed to remove the lid. There is a type that looks like a huge, old-fashioned skeleton key. The other is a long bar in the shape of a T.
How to turn off your water
If your leak is specific to an area like your toilet, there are mini-valves that allow you to turn off the water supply to just that one area.
If your problem is bigger, you should close the main valve. Here is a helpful video that shows how to do it.
Then just wait for the plumber to arrive.
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