Winterizing Your Water Pipes

When water freezes, it expands. Plan ahead to prevent the cost and mess of frozen pipes or a broken water line during winter months. Here are some things you can do to prepare for winter!

Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. Detaching the hose allows water to drain from the pipe. A single hard, overnight freeze can burst either the faucet or the pipe it’s connected to.

Allow heat to circulate around meters and pipes located in outside walls, uninsulated cabinets or other enclosed areas. Fill cracks in doors, windows and walls near water meters and pipes.

Where previous freeze-ups have been a problem, a slight trickle of water from the faucet may keep a pipe from freezing.

Planning to be away for an extended period? Below are some tips for your home:

• Keep the furnace on, but at a lower setting.
• Have someone briefly run all faucets daily to reduce the risk of frozen pipes.
• Turn off your water at the Stop Box. By doing so, it will reduce the likelihood of further damage from running water if system is not drained and freezing occurs.
• Drain all pipes, toilets and water lines to be completely safe.

Have a safe and happy winter by preparing in advance!