Prevent Frozen Pipes

Falling temperatures bring the potential for damage to your plumbing and other property. We encourage you to take the following preventive measures:

Seal your property

• Make sure all windows are shut. Drain and shut off external taps.
• Wrap insulation around any pipes that run close to a window, especially pipes that run close to basement windows.
• If your property is vacant or you will be leaving the property unattended for a long period (i.e. on vacation), close your water shut-off valve. It is usually located where the water supply pipe enters your property.

Check your thermostat

• Keep the thermostat at no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

Flow a little water

• If your house line or water service has frozen in the past, allow a small stream of cold water to run from a faucet on days when the temperature is expected to drop below 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
• The stream of water should be the size of a pencil.
• Be sure to keep the drain clear of obstructions to prevent the basin from overflowing.
• While you will be billed for the water used, this procedure uses a minimal amount of water and can prevent more costly plumbing repairs and water loss caused by broken pipes.

When pipes and meters freeze it can be inconvenient and costly. With a little advance preparation you can prevent your pipes from freezing and save yourself a lot of headache and money.