Outside plumbing
Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.Close all foundation vents. Open foundation vents are probably the greatest cause of frozen or split water lines. Cut wood or Styrofoam blocks to fit vent openings, then slide them into the vents. Open the vents again in the spring to prevent dry rot.
Protect outside pipes and faucets.
In some homes, the outside faucet has a separate shut-off in the basement. If you have a separate valve for outside faucets, shut if off. Then go outside and turn on all the faucets to drain water in the lines. Leave the outside faucets on while you go back and check your outside shut-off valve for a small brass plug or cap on the valve. Turn this plug far enough that water drains from the valve. Then, tighten the plug back and turn off all the outside faucets.
Wrap outside faucets or hose bibs.
Do this if you don't have a separate valve to turn off outside faucets. Also remember to disconnect garden hoses. Use newspaper or rags covered with plastic, fiberglass or molded foam insulating covers to wrap the faucet. Molded foam insulating covers are available at plumbing and hardware stores.
Drain in-ground sprinkler systems. Check the manufacturer's instructions for the best way to do this.
Inside plumbing
Insulate pipes in unheated areas
Exposed pipes in areas such as the crawl space, attic, garage or basement are more likely to freeze. Use insulating tape or molded pipe sleeve and wrap it over the entire length of exposed pipe.
Shut off water when leaving home for extended period
Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving home for an extended period. (Turn off the water heater before draining the system.) Leaving your furnace on a low setting while you're gone helps, but may not prevent freezing. Turn off the main shut-off valve, then go through the house and turn on all faucets, sinks, tubs, showers, etc., and flush the toilets. Go back to the valve and remove the plug so that it can drain completely. Follow-up by re-tightening the valve and turning off the open faucets. But be sure to keep your home temperature above 55 degrees!
Open cupboard doors in the kitchen and bathrooms.
Water lines supplying the kitchen or bathrooms are frequently located in outside walls. Any air leaks in siding or insulation can cause these pipes to freeze. Leaving the cupboard doors open when the temperature is below freezing allows pipes behind the cupboards to get more heat.
Let the water run if the temperature dips below freezing.
A stream slightly smaller than a pencil width should be sufficient. Faucets farthest from the street should be the ones left running. Using cold water will save on your gas or electric bill. The water can be captured in a bucket and used for other purposes around the home like watering plants and washing dishes.
What do I do if there’s no water?
- Step 1 – Check Your Water Meter. If water is leaking or spraying from your meter or the bottom is cracked, your water meter is frozen. Turn your shut-off valve to the off position and call Customer Service.
- Step 2 – Feel for Frozen Pipes. Pipes located along exterior walls are most susceptible to freezing. To thaw pipes contact a licensed plumber or use hot towels or a hair dryer to thaw the pipes. Never use an open flame to thaw pipes.
- Step 3 – Check with Your Neighbors. If your neighbors also do not have water, call Customer Service at 319-286-5900 to report the problem.
