Colder weather is forecast for the region over the weekend, with several communities under frost or freeze warnings. As temperatures drop, customers should prepare plumbing to ensure their pipes do not freeze and burst. There are several methods for preventing frozen pipes around the home.
PIPE FREEZING PREVENTION TIPS
- If leaving for the night or for a few days, set the thermostat no lower than 55°F. Ask friends or neighbors to check the house daily to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent freezing.
- Customers can also shut off and drain the water system by turning the water off at the meter. However, doing so will deactivate a fire protection sprinkler system.
- Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas. Wrap pipes before temperatures drop with approved materials. Pipe wrapping materials can be found at hardware and building supply stores.
- Seal off access doors, air vents and cracks. Winter winds whistling through overlooked openings can quickly freeze exposed water pipes.
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Disconnecting hoses allows water to drain and helps prevent freezing.
- If pipes have frozen, open a faucet and wait until water begins flowing again. Listen for leaks—water expands when it freezes, which can cause leaks in pipes. If a leak is discovered, turn off the water supply to the home at the main shut-off valve and contact a plumber
- Leaving a pencil-lead-thin stream of water flowing from faucets coming from pipes in unheated areas or against exterior walls may prevent pipes from freezing.
- Keeping the cabinet doors open to allow more home heat to reach the pipes underneath sinks and in cabinets may also help prevent freezing.
CPW cannot make repairs beyond the meter box. Customers are urged to locate their master shut-off valve, which can turn water off to the entire house in the event of a leak. In the case of frozen pipes or a leak, customers should contact a plumber.