Valencia County Urges Residents to Leave Faucets Dripping Ahead of Storm

Valencia County public-safety officials urged residents to leave a small stream of water running in faucets along outside walls as a winter storm moved through the region, a simple step designed to prevent water lines from freezing and rupturing. The advisory, issued for neighborhoods across the county, emphasized practical actions homeowners can take to avoid plumbing damage and interruptions to water service.

The advisory, released for the January 22 storm, recommended leaving a trickle of water in bathroom, laundry room, or kitchen sinks that sit against exterior walls. Officials said moving water is less likely to freeze and that a continuous, small flow can protect interior pipes from the cold that follows a winter storm. Residents were advised to open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm indoor air to reach pipes and to inspect any exposed plumbing for possible insulation.

Local impact could be significant if households do not take precautions. Frozen pipes can burst when water inside them expands, causing water damage to homes and creating sewer and water service interruptions for surrounding blocks. Repairing a burst line can carry immediate costs to homeowners and produce deferred strain on municipal crews already working storm response. For Valencia County, where many properties sit on shallow foundations and older plumbing, the precautionary steps aim to reduce both emergency calls and downstream costs.

The advisory also reminded residents to locate their main water shutoff valve so they can quickly stop flow in an emergency and limit indoor flooding if a pipe does rupture. Officials encouraged neighbors to check on elderly or mobility-limited residents who may need help carrying out these measures, noting that a small assist - like turning on a sink or bringing insulating material - can prevent a major loss for a household.

Public-safety leaders framed the recommendations as low-cost, high-impact actions: open cabinets, insulate exposed pipes where possible, and keep a small, steady drip from faucets on outside walls. Those steps are intended to protect both individual homes and the wider water system during a period of sustained cold.

As temperatures stabilize, Valencia County residents should continue to monitor local advisories and be prepared to shut off water and contact a licensed plumber if they find a frozen or leaking line. Taking a few minutes now to follow these steps can avert expensive repairs and keep the community’s water flowing.