Frozen Pipe Prevention Tips

If your water pipes freeze and break this winter, you'll have costly repairs on your hands and you'll lose precious water. Take these precautions:

• Insulate your pipes and replace wet insulation.
• Cover or wrap outside faucets and keep wrapping dry.
• Eliminate drafts from cracks, windows, or doors near your pipes.
• Cover or close foundation vents.
• Disconnect and drain garden hoses.
• Check your meter box cover and keep it securely closed. If it is broken, displaced or missing call Public Utilities, 757-382-6352. Add an extra layer of insulation with a hay bale or bag of leaves.
• Install trailer skirts on mobile homes.

If freezing temperatures are predicted:

• Let a rapid drip of both hot and cold water run from any faucets against an exterior wall and the faucets furthest from where water service enters your house.
• Leave cabinet doors open under the sink, so room heat can reach pipes.
• Locate your shut-off valve so you can turn your water off if your pipes break. It may be located outside where the water supply enters your home, inside the garage or near the water heater.

Winter's freeze may hit in spite of your best efforts, so if your pipes do freeze...

• Call Public Utilities at 757-382-6352 during normal business hours or 757-382-3550 other times to cut your water off at the meter.
• Turn your water off at the shut-off valve. When they thaw, pipes may break, losing precious water and costing you money!
• NEVER try to thaw frozen pipes with an open flame or an electrical current!! It’s dangerous and could cause damage. Call your plumber.