Avoid Frozen Household Pipes

Avoid Frozen Household Pipes Act now to protect your home’s water pipes before temperatures dip below 32 degrees. There are several precautions you should take to keep pipes from freezing and possibly bursting this winter.

  • Make sure all pipes outside the house are wrapped.

  • Check to see that pipes in unheated parts of your home (including crawl and attic spaces) are insulated.

  • Check to be sure outside faucet washers are secure.

  • Remove outside hoses from faucets. Drain remaining water in hoses and store.

  • Keep the meter box lid closed so your meter won’t freeze.

  • Make sure everyone in the household knows where the main water shut-off valve is, in case a pipe breaks and it’s necessary to turn the water off in a hurry.

  • If you must leave your house vacant for a long period, turn off your water supply at the gate valve on the resident’s side of the meter box. Have a plumber do the necessary work to prepare pipes to prevent damage.

  • During prolonged freezes, you may want to open doors to all cabinets that contain water pipes to allow heat in. You could place a small lamp in the cabinets so the bulb can keep the area warm. But be certain no flammable materials are near it. Relocate any toxic materials so children and pets cannot get to them if cabinet doors are left open.

  • Keep extra water drawn up during freezing weather in case a main break or frozen pipe cuts off your water supply.

If your home has no water and you think a pipe may be frozen, follow these steps:

  • Call the Water Department’s emergency number at 817-FW-24-HRS (817-392-4477) so a representative can check to see if your meter is frozen.

  • If the meter is not frozen, the private plumbing is probably frozen at the point where the pipe goes under the house. Check there first.

  • If a pipe is frozen, it is safest to call a plumber to handle the problem. The pipe may be cracked and will burst when thawed. If an electrical appliance is used to heat the pipe, spraying water from a burst pipe could get onto it, creating the risk of electrocution.

  • If you or a plumber suspect a water main is broken, immediately contact the Water Department’s emergency number at 817-FW-24-HRS (817-392-4477) so it can be repaired as soon as possible. Signs of a broken water main are water running down the street and buckled pavement. Don’t assume your neighbor called.

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Westcliff West Neighborhood Association