Cold Weather Precautions

During extremely cold temperatures, water pipes and meters near the cold air, or outside walls, in your home or business may freeze. Listed Below are a few suggestions to help prevent frozen pipes and meters:

Frozen Water Pipe Prevention:

  • Eliminate cold drafts near water pipes, check for open windows, air vents and wind drafts near water pipes.
  • Allow a slow trickle of water to flow through faucets connected to water pipes that run through unheated spaces. Flowing water often prevents from forming.
  • Locate the water shut off valve and know how to shut off your water. In many homes, it’s located where the water line comes into your house from the street. If a pipe bursts, shutting off the water promptly can help minimize the damage.
  • Seal leaks in the basement foundation where cold air may enter. Stuff holes with insulation. A tiny opening my cause an exposed pipe to freeze.
  • Turn off the water connection to garden hoses and drains exposed piping before freezing temperatures set in.
  • Insulate pipes in unheated spaces like garages, basements, and crawl spaces.
  • If your pipes freeze, use a hair dryer to thaw the lines safely.  Open a nearby faucet slightly so the pipe can drain as it thaws. Thawing will not be fast, but it will be safe. NEVER USE AN OPEN FLAME TO THAW PIPES.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.  Have someone check the property while you aren’t there.  

Frozen Water Meter Prevention:

  • Since it is colder near the floor and block wall of a basement than at the ceiling, make sure warm air is allowed to circulate around your meter. Leave the door open to the room with the meter to allow warmth to circulate in the room with the meter
  • Eliminate cold drafts near water pipes, check for open windows, air vents, and wind drafts near the meter.
  • Seal leaks in the basement foundation where cold air may enter. Stuff holes with insulation. A tiny opening my cause an exposed meter to freeze.
  • If your meter is in a cabinet, open the cabinet door to allow warmth to circulate in the cabinet.