After the Freeze: What to Do If Your Water Pressure Isn’t Right
If you’re noticing your water pressure isn’t what it used to be after the recent freeze, here’s what you need to know and what you should (and shouldn’t) do next.
If Your Home Is Vacant During a Freeze
If your home will be empty during freezing temperatures, it’s often safest to shut off the main water supply.
You should strongly consider turning off your water if:
The home will be vacant during a freeze
The furnace is not working
The power goes out and there is no heat
You need to leave the home during freezing conditions
In these situations, shutting off the water can prevent major pipe damage if temperatures drop too low.
If you leave, it’s also a good idea to shut off your water heater.
Know Where Your Main Water Shut-Off Valve Is
Before you ever need it in an emergency, locate your main water shut-off valve. Make sure you know:
Where it is located
How to properly turn it off
How to turn it back on slowly
How to drain the remaining water from your system
This includes both indoor and outdoor fixtures. After shutting off the main valve, you’ll want to open faucets inside and outside the home to help relieve pressure and drain the lines as much as possible.
Being familiar with this process ahead of time can prevent panic during a freeze event.
Turning the Water Back On — Go Slow
Once temperatures rise and you’re ready to restore water service, turn the main water valve back on very slowly.
Do not aggressively twist the valve.
Most residential shut-off valves contain plastic components. Turning them too quickly or forcefully can cause them to snap or break — which can create a much bigger issue.
If you’re unsure or the valve feels stiff, it may be best to stop and call a professional. We can safely replace a damaged pressure valve if needed.
What If Your Water Pressure Is Low After the Freeze?
If your water pressure seems off after a freeze, it could be caused by:
A partially frozen line
A pressure regulator issue
A cracked or damaged pipe
Debris dislodged during the freeze
If your pipes are still frozen, there is unfortunately not much that can be done until they fully thaw. Attempting repairs while pipes are frozen can cause additional damage.
However, if you call us, we can:
Walk you through immediate next steps
Tell you what to look for
Place you at the top of our service list once conditions improve
Dispatch a technician as soon as roads are safe and pipes have thawed
The Most Important Thing: Don’t Panic
Freezes in Central Texas create a lot of stress, but taking the right steps — shutting off water when necessary, restoring it slowly, and knowing when to call for help — can prevent serious damage.
If you’re unsure about your system, concerned about water pressure, or worried about possible freeze damage, give 1st Home & Commercial Services a call. We’re here to help guide you through it and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.
Stay safe and stay warm.
