Temps in the teens are on the way, and whenever a deep freeze hits, our emergency line lights up with customers reporting no water at the tap. The culprit? Frozen pipes - a problem at your home that Water Department crews can't fix.
Besides cutting off water, frozen pipes can burst and lead to expensive repairs. It's easy to protect your plumbing, so take action now!
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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. |
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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. |
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Identify the location of the
shutoff valves (see diagram) for your
water supply, usually near the
water meter. In emergencies, use
the house-side service valve to shut off your water supply.
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Keep water meter area above 40F. Freezing temps can break a meter, a part of the plumbing homeowners are responsible for fixing if it becomes damaged/stops working properly. |
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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. |
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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. |
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