| Winter Tips - Protect your water pipes from freezing
Paul Cote, Assistant Distribution Manager
Many water meters and pipes are in
basements, crawl spaces and other unheated areas where
cold winter temperatures could cause them to freeze.
Here are a few tips to help avoid the inconvenience
and cost of frozen plumbing. It should first be noted
that the customer is responsible for protecting the
water meter and piping within their property from
freezing.
If the water meter freezes and breaks, the Water District will replace the meter and will bill the customer for the cost. See "Terms & Conditions"
If your service line or piping freezes or breaks, it is your responsibility to have repairs made.
Here are some tips and suggestions to prevent winter freeze-ups:
- Eliminate drafts in crawl spaces.
- Repair broken and cracked windows and doors.
- Tightly close exterior windows and doors.
- Insulate exterior walls.
- Don't turn your heat down too low if there is a danger of a deep freeze.
- Check where your meter and pipes are installed, keeping in mind that it is colder near floors and foundation walls.
- Ask your local plumbing supplier about materials to insulate pipes and meters. If your meter is installed in a potentially cold area, take extra care to ensure the meter is insulated.
- If pipes or the meter are in a closed cabinet against an outside wall, insulate the wall and open the cabinet to allow warmer air to reach them.
- If you are not going to be home for an extended period during very cold weather, first check your fuel oil level (if applicable) and arrange to have someone visit periodically and turn on a faucet to ensure that water is still flowing.
- If the water meter is in a meter box located outside, make sure that it is properly insulated. It will help to maintain snow cover on top of it.
If your service line, piping or meter freezes:
- Open a faucet near the frozen point to get water flowing and to release excess pressure.
- Direct a hair dryer or heat lamp at the frozen section of pipe.
- NEVER thaw a frozen pipe or meter with an open flame. This is not only a fire hazard but could also cause a steam explosion.
- If you are unable to thaw the frozen pipes, consult a licensed plumber.
Last winter the Water District responded to over 300 reports of no water due to frozen plumbing, many of which resulted in frozen meters, costly leaks and property damage.
We hope you find these cold weather tips helpful in avoiding the inconvenience and expense of winter freeze-ups.
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Terms and Conditions