With the ice storms that have invaded our area, Intown Plumbing is standing by with customer service representatives ready to take your calls. Licensed technicians are standing by and ready to help in emergency situations. The wintry precipitation is expected to continue into Thursday morning. 

It is very important in these situations to be prepared by knowing where the shut off valve to your home is. As the storm ends and temperatures begin to rise you may hear the sound of water or see water. To avoid flooding, it is important to shut the valve as soon as possible. The water main is usually located at the front of the house on the same side as the meter.

Counties affected by the ice storm include Tarrant, Denton, Dallas, Collin, Cooke, Jack, Wise, Palo Pinto, Parker, Erath, Hood, Somervell, Johnson, Comanche, Hamilton and Bosque.

The roads are extremely dangerous. Cars are sliding backwards, especially on inclines that are covered in solid ice. Eighteen wheelers are stranded.

It is very important to stay off the roads in these conditions. The National Weather Service in Fort Worth tweeted, “They are going to be virtually impassable through today and tonight.”

At this time nearly 350,000 homes and businesses are without power in the Dallas/Fort Worth areas and surrounding counties. Power outages can make the situation worse with respect to plumbing combined with a deep freeze. If your home is kept well heated during the storm, that can help prevent frozen pipes. However, in the case of a power outage, the chances of frozen pipes increase. Pipe damage is common in severe winter weather. Extra precautions should be taken in advance.

If, unfortunately, you end up with burst pipes in your home, it is important that you take care of the situation immediately. That’s why you need to know in advance where your shut off valve is. Remove all belongings from the area where the broken pipe is located. Check around your home to ensure there are no other pipes with damage. Call a professional as soon as possible. Your home may also sustain water damage which may require a professional restoration company.

When the storm is over a thorough check on the inside and outside is recommended. Use your eyes and ears as you look for wet spots and listen for water leakage.

Conditions in the area will start to improve on Thursday evening, but officials are asking people to stay home because roads won’t fully recover until the sun comes out on Friday. Not only will roads be impacted, everyone must consider the dangers of ice freezing on power lines which may cause additional dangers as you eventually venture out.