Protecting Your Pipes

• Cover your pipes with hose bib covers and place old towels in your meter boxes
• Minimize the risk of frozen pipes. Drip faucets that are along an external wall, leave cabinet doors open, and close all doors and windows to keep heat inside your homes.

Burst or Broken Pipes

• Many neighbors are experiencing water line breaks. Take action now and download My Water Advisor, an app that allows you to monitor your consumption and set alarms for a water leak alert. This can help give you a heads up if you have a leak in your home. Download the “My Water Advisor” app here.
• When the weather begins to warm up, it is possible that a water pipe inside your home could burst due to water expanding as it freezes. It is important to investigate now, what to do and where your shut-off valves are so that you can remain calm and take swift action. Working quickly, but methodically, is the best way to minimize any water damage from a plumbing leak and potential mold and mildew growth as a result of burst pipes.

Find The Water Shut-Off Valves

• Every home and business has a water shut-off valve, along with each appliance or fixture that uses water. If you don’t know where the shut-offs are located, take a few minutes to identify them in your home or business and make note of the locations. In Fate, water-shut-off valves are located near the water meters. View a short "how-to" video here.

 Turn off The Electricity

• Water and electricity never mix, especially when there’s a busted pipe in the house. Turn off the electricity to the home or business at the breaker box to prevent electrocution, fires, and other hazards.

 Whole House Water

• Turning off the water to an entire house or business is recommended in most situations. The whole house shut-off valve is usually on one side of the water meter. Most water meters are located outside the home near the front curb in a marked utility box. You will need an eight in (8) adjustable crescent wrench (or larger) or a water meter valve key. These tools are available at most home improvement stores. The meters turn off in the counterclockwise direction.  View a short "how-to" video here.

Drain Remaining Water From Pipes & Fixtures

• Once the water and electricity are turned off, let any remaining water in the pipes and fixtures drain out. This is done by turning on hot and cold water taps and flushing all toilets. Removing the leftover water in the plumbing stops will stop the leak and allow a plumber to begin repairs

Inside your home investigate your appliances that use water. 

• Clothes Washing Machine  - Look behind the washing machine for the household water-supply lines — the shut-off valve should be located next to the washer hoses.
• Whole House Hot Water Heater - The hot water heater should have at least one shut-off valve, located on the cold-water inlet pipe. The majority of hot water heaters also have a shut-off valve for the hot water outlet pipe, usually denoted with a red-colored handle. When this valve is closed, there will be no hot water in the entire home. Remember to turn off your gas pilot light. 
• Toilet - The shut-off for the toilet is usually found under the tank and has a ribbed oval handle.
• Sink - Similar to a toilet shut-off, the sink shut-off has two handles — one for cold water, the other for hot — beneath the sink bowl or inside the cabinet or vanity.
• Dishwasher - Check under the kitchen sink for the shut-off valve. This shut-off has a reducer coupling and valve to the dishwasher and the hot water line.

Waste Connections will begin regular service of residential trash and recycling carts on Monday, February 22. Do not put your extra trash in the recycling bins. Waste Connections will remove extra bags from the curb (within reason). 

We all have energy on the mind right now. If you have concerns about your rates, look into Texas Power Switch. If you're in the Oncor power grid, not in a contract, or if your current contract is about to expire, you can lock in a low rate now to avoid any increases in the next few weeks and months. There is no cost to receive a quote or any obligation to accept an offer. 

Learn more here.

CONSUMER PROTECTION ALERT:  Excessive Energy Bills

AUSTIN - Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton and his Consumer Protection Division is warning Texans to be aware of energy price hikes and offers tips to protect yourself from excessive and potentially unlawful charges after the recent winter weather storm:

• Turn off autopay on utility bills and review each bill prior to paying.
• If you have trouble reading or understanding your bill, please visit the Office of Public Utility Counsel.
• If you would like to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General, visit our online complaint form: http://txoag.force.com/CPDOnlineForm 

Price-gougers may be required to reimburse consumers and may be held liable for civil penalties of up to $10,000 per violation with an additional penalty of up to $250,000 if the affected consumers are elderly. You can learn more about the consumer complaint process here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/consumer-protection/file-consumer-complaint.  

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Governor Greg Abbott and the Texas Division of Emergency Management (TDEM) are encouraging Texans to complete the Self Reporting Damage Survey to help the state identify damages across Texas and help emergency management officials gain an understanding of damages that occurred during the recent winter weather. This data is also needed to provide information to FEMA and highlight the need for federal disaster assistance for individuals. 

The voluntary survey, available in both English and Spanish, can be accessed by visiting: www.TDEM.texas.gov/warm. Reporting damage to the Texas Division of Emergency Management is a voluntary activity, is not a substitute for reporting damage to an insurance agency, and does not guarantee disaster relief assistance. 

"I urge Texans to fill out the Self Reporting Damage Survey and provide crucial information on the winter weather impacts to their home or property," said Governor Abbott. "The information gleaned from this survey will help our state identify the full impact of this winter weather and help emergency management better serve Texans."