Prevent Frozen Pipes

Ohio weather can go from 0 to 10 in a heartbeat. One minute it is -5 degrees and six days later, 65 degrees! When the temperature is scheduled to drop below 10 degrees for several days in row, this can wreak havoc on your pipes. Do you know what to do to prepare? Do you know where your home’s or business’s main water shut-off valve is located? Have you disconnected all outdoor hose bibbs, irrigation systems, and/or other outdoor water supply line valves? Frozen pipes can burst, leaving you without water in the worst of weather and cost a lot to repair. Don’t think it can’t happen to you. Help preserve your budget and your peace of mind with these simple steps.

BEFORE THE COLD SETS IN

  • Know where your main water shut-off valve is located.
  • Turn off your irrigation system. If your outdoor hose bibbs have indoor shut-off valves, shut them off and open the outside hose bibs to drain any remaining water in the line.
  • Eliminate sources of cold air near water pipes by fixing windows or insulating walls.
  • Protect exposed pipes by wrapping them with insulation, fabric, or newspaper

WHEN TEMPERATURES STAY BELOW FREEZING

  • Let the snow cover your water meter. Snow actually acts as insulation, so don’t disturb it.
  • Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing.
  • Open cabinet doors to let warm air in your home reach the pipes.

IF YOUR PIPES FREEZE

  • Shut off the main water valve
  • Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it. Avoid kerosene heaters or open flames.
  • Turn the water back on slowly once the pipes have thawed, and check for cracks and leaks.

Contact The Waterworks for all your plumbing, drain, heating, and cooling needs. No heat coming from your furnace? Yes, we do that, too. Call the furnace fixers at The Waterworks Heating & Cooling Division. Our technicians are well-trained, licensed, certified, and bonded. Plus, we are an approved contractor for both the State of Ohio and Columbia Gas.

Plumbing emergency? We respond any time!

Find out more about The Waterworks’ comprehensive experience in plumbing, drain, heating and cooling services.