Reduce the Risk of Frozen Pipes

Cold weather brings with it a chance of pipes freezing and breaking. The risk is greater with longer stretches of extremely cold weather. Please consider the following tips to help avoid frozen pipes in your home.

• Make sure the cold air return for your furnace is pointed away from the water service. The water service enters most homes in the basement through the floor, near where the water meter is attached.
• Leave cabinet doors in your kitchen and bathrooms open to allow heat in.
• Keep your furnace above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Shut off and drain the pipes leading to outside faucets.
• Wrap foam insulation around pipes that are most susceptible to freezing.
• Seal air leaks in your home and garage.
• If you are away, have someone check your home.
• If you are away for an extended period of time, ask the City to turn your water off at the street.
  

During Extreme Cold Conditions
In addition to the tips above, you can also use a thermometer to monitor the temperature of the water coming out of your kitchen faucet. If the water temperature drops below 40 degrees Fahrenheit, the frost may be getting close to the service line. The best way to prevent a service line from freezing is to leave a cold-water tap running at a steady stream, about ¼ inch in diameter (roughly the diameter of a pencil). This will use approximately 700-1000 gallons per day, costing about $3-$5 per day (much less than having your service line replaced).

Watch this informational video from the American Water Works Association about the dangers of frozen water lines.

Here are more tips for winterizing your home.