News post

Texas autumns may feel mild, but sudden cold fronts can sweep in overnight. Even during cooler months, how you use water affects your lawn, plumbing, and monthly water bill. 

Taking simple preventative measures now protects your home from sudden spikes in water use caused by leaks or burst pipes, reduces unnecessary consumption, and prepares your property for spring.

A quick outdoor inspection takes just a few minutes and safeguards your household plumbing:

• Disconnect and Drain Hoses: Leaving garden hoses attached traps standing water in outdoor spigots, which expands and can crack exterior pipes when temperatures dip.

• Insulate Faucets and Backflow Assemblies: Wrap exterior spigots with insulated foam covers, and protect above-ground backflow devices with fitted insulation to prevent frozen lines.

• Adjust Irrigation Timers: Lawns require far less water in cooler weather, and overwatering can do more harm than good. Switch controllers to manual mode to prevent frozen lines, and avoid watering if freezing temperatures are expected within 24 hours.

• Inspect for Slow Leaks: Dripping faucets, even slow ones, add up over time. Check outdoor fixtures and valves promptly to avoid surprises on your utility bill.

• Locate Your Emergency Shutoff: Ensure household members know the location of your private master water shutoff valve so you can cut the water supply quickly during a plumbing emergency.

Taking proactive steps now protects your home and keeps community utility costs under control all season long.