With the cold weather upon us, it is important to take measures to prevent frozen pipes and
meters. It is the responsibility of the property owner to protect the pipes and meter from damage. The Hazardville Water Company urges residents to take steps to prevent water pipes and meters from freezing.
PROVIDE WARMTH TO THE WATER PIPES:
- Eliminate cold drafts near water pipes
- Fill cracks in walls and around windows
- Wrap pipes in insulation or heat tape
- Open cabinet door below the sink to allow warm air to reach the pipes
MAKE FREQUENT USE OF YOUR WATER SUPPLY:
- Flowing water often breaks up ice below freezing
- When outside temperatures remain below freezing, it’s less expensive to run your faucet regularly than for you to repair a frozen or burst pipe.
WHAT TO DO IF PIPES FREEZE?
If no water comes from your faucets when you turn them on, most likely the pipes nearest a wall, door, window or along the floor are frozen:
- Start by opening a faucet near the frozen pipe to release any vapor from the melting ice and so you’ll know when the water starts flowing again.
- Begin warming the pipes nearest the faucet and work toward the frozen section.
- Blow warm air on the pipe using a hair dryer. (Do not leave the dryer unattended or allow it to overheat)
- Once water has begun to flow again, let a pencil-sized stream of water flow through the faucet until normal heating is restored to the area.
METERS NEED PROTECTION TOO!
It is colder near the floor of a basement than at the ceiling. Allow warm air to circulate around your meter and follow the same instructions about preventing frozen pipes. If your meter is in a seperate room or in a cabinet, leave the door to room or cabinet open. If the meter is in an
outside pit, make sure the cover fits propertly and has no cracks in it.