The following information is provided by the City of Albuquerque and the Bernalillo County Water Authority:

ALBUQUERQUE,  Dec. 2 – With the National Weather Service predicting low temperatures in the teens in Albuquerque this week, the Water Authority reminds its customers that it’s time to shut down sprinkler systems for the winter and to prepare household water pipes for cold weather. During severe cold snaps, Water Authority operators take as many as 200 calls per day from people with frozen and burst pipes. Avoid trouble by taking precautions NOW:

Find the master shutoff valve.
The master shutoff valve turns off the water to the entire house. Learn its location and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is. This could be critical if a pipe should burst.

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
Detaching the hose allows water to drain from the pipe so an overnight freeze doesn't burst the faucet or the pipe it’s connected to.

Shut down your sprinkler system.
Turn off the automatic timer and bleed the system of water. It’s time to put your landscaping to bed for the winter. 

Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas.
It's best to wrap water pipes in unheated areas (such as the garage, basement, crawl space, or space beneath your mobile home) before temperatures plummet. You can find pipe wrapping materials at any hardware or building supply store.

Consider installing "heat tape" or "heat cable.”
Install "heat tape" or similar materials on all exposed water pipe (i.e., exterior pipe, or pipe located where the temperature might drop below freezing).  It is relatively easy to install and can be found at your local hardware or building supply store. Be sure to use only UL-listed products and follow the manufacturer's instructions carefully.

Seal off access doors, air vents, and cracks.
Winter winds whistling through overlooked openings can quickly freeze exposed water pipes.  DO NOT plug air vents used by your furnace or water heater.

What if it's too late?
During an extended cold spell, pipes can freeze even if precautions have been taken. If a pipe on your property freezes, the Water Authority recommends that you call a licensed plumber to help you thaw it out and/or make necessary repairs. If a pipe on your property bursts and you need an emergency water shut-off, please call 857-8250.