Over the next several days our customer’s water pipes that have been frozen will start to thaw out resulting in a high number of water leaks.
City of Brownwood Utility Customers:
Over the next several days our customer’s water pipes that have been frozen will start to thaw out resulting in a high number of water leaks. Due to the current cell phone situation we have created an email address for the citizens to report leaks and to request water to be turned off. If you have a water leak and need assistance turning your water off please email waterleak@brownwoodtexas.gov and someone will come out and turn the water off until you can get your leak repaired. Please only use this service for water leaks and if you are unable to turn the water off yourself. When sending the email request please include your full name, address, and phone number. A resident or member of household must be present when requesting this service.
Additionally, here is is a contact list of plumbers, if you do not have a land line to contact someone you may try emailing them instead.
Additional preparedness information and continued information is posted at www.brownwoodtexas.gov/weather
Instructions for Turning off Water at the Meter
1. Locate your water meter. Water meters are typically installed inside concrete meter boxes and placed close to the street so it can be easily read by a utility staff member.
2. Removed the metal lid of the meter box. A standard screw driver can be used to help lift the lid.
3. On the street side of the meter, locate the oblong knob (as pictured). This is the main shut-off valve also referred to as the angle stop.
4. The angle stop has two loops, one on each side. The middle of the angle stop is marked with an arrow, indicating the direction the water is flowing.
5. To turn water off, place the curb stop key over the center of the angle stop is marked with an arrow, indicating the direction the water is flowing.
- Place the jaws of a present wrench over the angle stop with the handle sticking up.
- Insert a screw driver through the hole in the handle of the crescent wrench to create a tee handle (as pictured).
6. Turn the curb stop key, or make-shift tee handle, clockwise until both loops are together, approximately 180 degrees (pictured below).
7. If the angle stop has not been operated in a long time, it could be locked up. Whatever you do, DO NOT FORCE THE ANGLE STOP. If it will not turn with a reasonable amount of pressure, call the City of Brownwood Public Works Department at 325-646-6000 (this line is answered 24/7) due to phone reception you can also email request to "waterleak@brownwoodtexas.gov" for a utility staff member to turn off the water at the meter for you. If your emergency occurs after hours, contact the utility on-call service at 325-646-6000.
