DFW Winter Storm – Power Outages and Frozen Pipes

 Below you’ll find an overview of the power outages, what to do about frozen pipes, how to shut off your water and how to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning.

Power outages – explained

The Electricity Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT, manages the flow of electric power to about 90% of Texas. You can think of it like an air-traffic control room. They don’t make the power but manage the grid that connects transmission lines and generation units. Learn more about ERCOT HERE.

So, what’s the problem? Texas is the only state that operates a stand-alone electricity grid, independent of the continental U.S. grid. Texas largely relies on natural gas – especially during times of high demand – to power the state. The infrastructure in place to pump it out of the ground to city centers was unprepared for the artic temperatures.

That means during critical weather events like this, most of Texas cannot connect to other grids when there is not enough generated power to meet current demand. This is why ERCOT declared emergency conditions and initiated rotating outages.

Freezing Pipes

During extreme cold weather, water expands as it freezes. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and water sprinkler lines.
• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets.
• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

How to prevent frozen pipes

• Let cold water drip from faucets. Running water through pipes – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• Make sure everyone in your family knows where the water shut-off valve and key (if applicable) are, and how it works.

How to thaw frozen pipes

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe.
• Apply heat (use a hair dryer, heating pad or towels soaked in hot water) until full water pressure is restored.
• If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

If your pipes burst – locate and shut off your main water valve

• Indications of a burst pipe: water puddles, low water pressure, wall stains, discolored water, pipe noises or a metallic smell.
  • If a pipe bursts, FIRST turn off the water at the main shutoff valve in the house
  • Valves are usually located in the basement or on an outside wall in a utility area of the house. Turning off the valve cuts off the water supply to the entire house.
• Leave the water faucets turned on, keep indoor doors open and call a plumber.

 Warming your home

Hospitals saw a rise in hypothermia and carbon monoxide poisoning as residents try to stay warm.

• What NOT to do to get warm: Never use a gas stove or oven for heating. Never burn charcoal indoors. Never use a portable gas camp stove indoors. Never use a generator inside your home, basement, or garage unless 20 feet from a window, door or vent. Never sit in your car with the engine running and the garage closed.
• Know the signs of hypothermia and seek medical help if you experience any warning signs below.