Before Freezing Weather Sets In

 

 Wrap exposed pipes

Cover any exposed pipes with

insulating material. If you do not have

commercial insulating material use

plastic, newspaper, rags or blankets.

 

 Secure basements against the cold

Plug up drafty cracks and repair broken

window panes.

 

 Block air passages into crawl spaces

Check craw spaces to be sure pipes are

protected. Use cardboard or rags to

block air passages.

 

Check outside faucets

Remove hoses from outside faucets and

check the washers to be sure there are

no leaks, which could freeze and back

up into the household plumbing.

 

 Locate your shut-off valve

Make sure every member of the

household knows where your main

water shut-off valve is located. The

shut-off valve should be used in the

event of a burst pipe or if you have a

significant leak. The shut-off valve is

usually located where the water pipe

enters your house or on a vertical pipe

leading from the point of entry inside

your basement wall or crawl space. In

some homes, it can be found in the

utility room. If you do not have a main

shut-off valve, you should install one

for your protection.

 

 

During Freezing Weather

 Keep meter box lids closed

Do not open your meter box, as injuries

can result from lids, which are not

properly secured. Also, cold air can

freeze the meter. If you notice a meter

box lid, which is not properly secured,

please call your local water company.

 

Make sure heat reaches your pipes

If your pipes are enclosed in a cabinet
under the bathroom or kitchen sink,

leave the doors open so the heat can get

in.

 

 Keep a trickle of water running

During periods of low usage and

particularly on sub-zero nights, keep a

trickle of water running from the faucet

highest in the home. This trickle should

be a steady stream the size of the lead in

a pencil.

 

If You Have a Frozen Pipe

 

 Wait for the pipes to thaw

If you have some running, the safest

and cheapest thing to do is wait for the

frozen pipes to thaw.

 

Never use an open flame

Never try to thaw a pipe with a flame,

because you may start a fire.

 

 If all else fails, and you’re on a public
water system, call your local water

company. If you’re on a private well,

call a plumber.