With the new year comes chilly temperatures that can wreak havoc on home plumbing systems. It’s time to protect your water pipes from freezing to avoid water loss and significant property damage.
Before winter arrives, take time to insulate pipes in unheated spaces, such as a crawlspace, attic or basement. Pipes inside or close to an exterior wall can be kept warm by opening the cabinet doors.
Remove and drain hoses from outdoor spigots. If there is a shut-off valve specifically for an outdoor spigot, turn the valve to the off position, open the spigot and drain any water remaining in the spigot and pipe downstream of the shut-off valve. If you do not have a shut-off valve, it is recommended you contact a licensed plumber for costs and other information. However, if you do not have a shut-off valve in your plumbing system and need the water shut off in an emergency, please contact Customer Service at (704) 638-5300 (Monday – Friday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). For water and/or sewer emergencies after hours, call (704) 638-5339.
Also check to make sure the cover on the water meter serving your home or business is closed to help protect water in the meter from freezing. If the cover is missing, please contact us at the numbers above so this can be repaired.
You can also let cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing; and FEMA states this will also reduce the buildup of pressure in the pipes.
Get informed on these and other helpful tips on preparedness by visiting REDCROSS.org, ReadyROWAN.org, and FEMA.gov.