| How To Keep Your Plumbing From Freezing Falling temperatures bring the potential for damage to your plumbing
and other property. We encourage you to take the following preventive measures:
Step 1: 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.
Step 2: Check the temperature.
Keep the thermostat at no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Step 3: Run a little water.
If your houseline 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.
Done
When pipes and meters freeze, it can be inconvenient and
costly. With advanced preparation, you can avoid this problem. |
