Tips to protect water pipes during freezing temperatures

Published on January 21, 2026

Weather forecasts indicate the possibility of over 60 consecutive hours of subfreezing temperatures occurring in the next few days.

That means it’s a good idea to take steps now to keep water pipes at homes and businesses from freezing and possibly bursting.

First: Find and learn how to shut off the water to your location at the private shut-off valve. Check this valve now to make sure it is working.

Make sure everyone in the household knows where this valve is in case a pipe breaks and you need to turn the water off in a hurry.

Fort Worth Water realizes you can’t always wait for a crew to show up in an emergency and will allow you to shut off the water at the meter. Be careful when removing and replacing the lid so you do not damage the wires attached to the radio transmitter.

Second: Here are some prevention tips:

• Make sure all outside pipes are insulated. Disconnect hoses from the faucet and cover the faucet and any external pipes.
• Check to see that pipes in unheated parts of your home or business (including crawl and attic spaces, under cabinets) are insulated.
• Open cabinet doors that contain water pipes to allow heat to enter the areas. This may not be an option if you have children or pets and store hazardous materials in these cabinets.
• Turn off or unplug your irrigation system during the winter to prevent ice on sidewalks or streets. Drain the lines to prevent them from freezing and bursting.
• Commercial buildings with fire sprinklers should leave the heat on overnight and on weekends when subfreezing temperatures are forecast.
• Keep extra water on hand during freezing weather in case a main break or frozen pipe cuts off your water supply.

What to do if you have no water: If it’s from a frozen pipe, it is safest to call a plumber to handle the problem. The pipe may be cracked and will burst when thawed. Don’t use an electrical appliance to heat the pipe. This could cause the pipe to burst, creating the risk of electrocution.

What to do in case of a water main break: Report the location of the running water or buckled pavement immediately by calling 817-392-4477 or by using the MyFW app.

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