The Regional Water Authority is advising residents and businesses in Greater New Haven to protect their plumbing from the upcoming chill predicted to last the next few days.
Frigid air and sub-freezing temperatures can cause water pipes in vulnerable areas of buildings to freeze and burst, resulting in costly damage and expensive repairs.
Water utilities are responsible for water pipes and service lines that connect to homes at the curb, but not pipes located on the property itself property. The most vulnerable areas include those outside the home and water supply lines in unheated areas like basements, attics and kitchen cabinets.
Help protect your pipes from potential damage by following these steps:
– Wrap exposed pipes with insulating material. Even newspaper can help in a pinch.
– Eliminate cold air sources near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces and getting rid of drafts near doors.
– Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
– If your home does not have indoor shut-off valves for your outdoor spigots, winterize them by purchasing insulation kits, also referred to as domes or caps.
– When the weather is very cold outside, let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing. A bucket or other container can be kept under the dripping faucet to collect water for later use, such as watering plants, ensuring it does not go to waste.
– Ensure water meter vault covers are not cracked. If the meter is installed outside the home, it is housed inside a covered vault. Check to be sure that the vault cover is secure and protecting the meter from freezing.
– The RWA advises anyone away from home during cold weather to have a friend, relative or neighbor regularly check their property to ensure the heat is working and the pipes have not frozen.
If water stops running in sinks or other faucets, it may be due to frozen pipes. Anyone concerned that their pipes have frozen should immediately stop water service using their home’s main water shutoff valve. Once homeowners turn their water off, they should contact a licensed plumber to thaw the frozen pipes, assess damage and make any necessary repairs. Never use hot water, a torch or any open flame to thaw a frozen pipe or water meter.