- Drip cold water from your primary valve’s furthest faucet. The movement of water prevents pipes from freezing.
- Locate emergency shut-off valves.
- Pipes in unheated locations should be insulated.
- Warm the pipes by opening cabinets and vanities.
- Shut the internal valves that regulate the water supply.
- Open the exterior spigots to enable water to drain.
- Keep the outside valve open, so any residual water in the pipe may expand without rupturing.
- As the temperature drops below freezing, turn off all exterior fixtures and drain all water from the pipe.
PIPES THAWED FROM FREEZE
- Then, ask a neighbor whether they are having the same problem. If they also experience water loss, it might be the consequence of a main break. If they have flowing water, your pipes have most likely frozen.
- Cut off the water at the main shut-off valve right away.
- After the region has melted, turn on the faucet to allow water to flow through the pipe. This will aid in the melting of additional ice.
- Using a hair dryer, apply heat to or around the pipe. Keep all heat sources away from combustible items, and avoid using open flames, kerosene heaters, or blow torches. Additionally, avoid using equipment that forces the melting ice to boil since this might cause pipes to burst.
- After the pipes have thawed, carefully reintroduce water and inspect any joints for leaks and other locations for cracks that may have developed due to the freeze.
- Inspect for leaks and cracks in all pipes and joints.
- Pipe leaks or pools of water indicate a rupture or break.
- If you can’t find the frozen piece, can’t reach it, or can’t defrost it, contact a qualified plumber. Look for rigid pipes in your house or business, particularly ones that run along an outside wall or carry water into the structure via the foundation.
WHAT IS THE LOCATION OF MY MAIN WATER SHUT-OFF VALVE?
- Search and locate the main valve near the street or where the water supply enters your home (typically in the basement).
- If the valve is outside your home, use a big screwdriver to remove the cover.
- To turn off the water, use a pipe or crescent wrench.
- Label the shut-off valve with neon paint or tape to make it easier to detect in the dark.
IF YOUR HOUSEHOLD PIPES BREAK…
- Turn off the main water valve.
- Contact a qualified plumber right away.
IF YOUR TEMPERATURE FREEZES…
If you believe your water meter has frozen, contact your water utility’s customer care department immediately.
Do not allow your water meter to defrost. This may do significant harm.
Water utilities will replace outside water meters. That is entirely their duty.
Water meters inside and outside houses and buildings may freeze as temperatures drop below freezing.
FALL PIPE PROTECTIONEvery fall, when temperatures drop, it’s critical to be prepared for the effects of cold weather on your home’s water pipes. As the water in your pipe freezes, it expands and puts enormous strain on the pipe wall. Pipes might burst due to expanding water, resulting in costly repairs. Pipes exposed to severely cold temperatures, such as those outside the house, and water supply lines in unheated locations, such as basements, attics, and kitchen cabinets, are the most vulnerable to damage.
- Garden hoses should be removed, drained, and stored.
- Tight crawl spaces, seal air drafts around fixtures and insulate walls and attics.
- Put a pipe sleeve over uninsulated water pipes. These and other pipe insulation products are available at building supply shops.
- Drain underground lawn irrigation systems. Follow the manufacturer’s directions.
- Report damaged or missing meter covers to water providers to avoid frozen meters.
Water utilities are in charge of water mains and pipelines connecting to your house but not pipes on your property. If a line on your property breaks, contact Elizabeth Drain Service, a plumber, right away. By following these procedures, you can protect your pipes from damage and save expensive repairs.
