Winterization

As the temperature drops you need to do a few things around the home to prevent frozen pipes that can cause water leaks. When water freezes, it expands. So if the temperature of your pipes drops below 32 degrees, even for a short period, you run the risk of a leak. Here are a few tips to try and prevent this problem.

Inside Your Home

• Keep the temperature in the home at least at 55 degrees
• Open cupboards doors below sinks to allow warm air to circulate
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas (crawl space, garage, outside, etc.)
• During extreme cold run a small trickle of water from a faucet. Cost to do this is much less than repairing a leak. Please visit our Utility Rates for water rates.

Outside Your Home

• Cover crawl space vents around the exterior of your home.
• Disconnect hoses and cover hose bibs.
• Shut off irrigation systems and drain the lines so no standing water is left in the pipes.

Signs of Frozen Pipes

• You turn on the faucet but nothing comes out. If plumbing should freeze, try to thaw it naturally. Or use a hair dryer on low setting waving the warm air back and forth along the pipe, not on one spot. Never use a torch or open flame as they could cause the pipe to burst, or even worse catch the house on fire. Keep in mind that if the pipe is already frozen it may have already split, so be prepared to shut off the water if needed.
• Sound of water when faucets and appliances are turned off. Check the meter to see if there is any movement. When the low flow dial is turning or numbers are moving and you are not intentionally using water that is an indication of a water leak.