As temperatures rise over the next few days, frozen pipes may begin to thaw, potentially revealing leaks or damage. Pay special attention to areas where pipes are more exposed, such as under sinks, in attics, or around the water meter. Open faucets gradually to check for normal water flow. Sudden increases in pressure can worsen undetected leaks.

If you find significant leaks or if a pipe bursts, turn off the main water supply at the water meter using the customer shut-off valve and contact a licensed plumber. Your meter can be found inside a meter box, which is generally towards the front of your property, near the street. The box is typically in a direct line with the main outside faucet and is housed in a concrete or plastic box usually marked "water meter." Remove the lid using a tool, such as a large screwdriver, by inserting the tool into one of the holes to pry the lid off. Be careful not to unplug the node wiring attached to the lid from the meter when removing the lid. For information on how to close your customer shut-off valve, use this link: https://www.jcsud.com/DocumentCenter/View/699/JCSUD-Customer-Shutoff-Valve-Infographic

After you've turned the water off at the meter, open all faucets to drain any remaining water in the system and reduce pressure on other pipes. If you notice a sudden spike in water usage, it may indicate a leak. Signing up for leak notifications through the free JCSUD WaterSmart Customer Portal can ensure you are notified quickly of a potential leak caused by freeze damage. Log in or register for WaterSmart account and use the steps below to sign up for leak alerts:  https://jcsud.watersmart.com/index.php/welcome