Cold Weather Solutions

How to troubleshoot frozen pipes

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First, check with a neighbor to see if they have water.

If they don't have water, there may have been a water main break. Otherwise, the issue probably lies in your own pipes.

If You Are The Only One Without Water...

Frozen Pipes?

  • Do not apply direct heat to the pipes. If your pipes freeze, use a space heater or hair dryer to heat the area around your meter and pipes.

  • Make sure the faucet is turned on so melting water can drip out.

  • After your pipes have thawed, look to see if your pipes are cracked or damaged and make sure to take necessary precautions to prevent freezing from happening again.

  • Inspect your water meter for damage throughout the winter. If you notice leaking, let us know by calling (215) 685-6300.

frozen pipe

Damaged Pipes?

  • Shut off the water at the house-side water supply valve near your water meter

  • If the break is in a hot water pipe, close the valve on top of the water heater

  • Call a licensed and registered plumber to repair the broken pipe.

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Need Repairs?

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Need Repairs?

  • All pipes inside and outside your home, up to the water main are your responsibility.

  • If a pipe under your responsibility needs repairs, you may need to reach out to a licensed and registered plumber.

  • The Philadelphia Water Department is not responsible for pipes surrounding your home.

Preventing Future Cold Weather Nightmares

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Wrap and insulate all water pipes in unheated areas, like your basement. Pay close attention to pipes near exterior walls, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Let faucet run at a trickle overnight during extremely cold weather. It costs only pennies, and the moving water will help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Identify the location of the shutoff values for your water supply, usually near the water meter. In emergencies, use the house-side service valve to shut off your water supply.

Keep water meter area above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Repair or replace broken exterior windows. Cover windows with plastic and caulk windows near water meters and pipes. When cold air blows on a pipe, it increases the risk of freezing.

Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the outdoor water supply. Most outdoor faucets have a dedicated shutoff valve inside; use that valve, and leave the outside faucet open to drain the remaining section of pipe.

If you plan to be away from home or own a property that is vacant during cold weather, drain and winterize your home plumbing system.

Wrap and insulate all water pipes in unheated areas, like your basement. Pay close attention to pipes near exterior walls, especially in kitchens and bathrooms.

Let faucet run at a trickle overnight during extremely cold weather. It costs only pennies, and the moving water will help prevent the pipes from freezing.

Identify the location of the shutoff values for your water supply, usually near the water meter. In emergencies, use the house-side service valve to shut off your water supply.

Keep water meter area above 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Repair or replace broken exterior windows. Cover windows with plastic and caulk windows near water meters and pipes. When cold air blows on a pipe, it increases the risk of freezing.

Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the outdoor water supply. Most outdoor faucets have a dedicated shutoff valve inside; use that valve, and leave the outside faucet open to drain the remaining section of pipe.

If you plan to be away from home or own a property that is vacant during cold weather, drain and winterize your home plumbing system.