Service Authority Urges Preps to Keep Water Pipes from Freezing

The Prince William Service Authority provided us with some tips on protecting the water pipes in your home as temperatures begin to plummet over the next 24 hours.

More in a press release:

Find Your Main Shut-Off Valve!

• Don’t wait! Imagine the panic you would feel if water started pouring through the house from a broken pipe. Locate the main shut-off valve, mark it, and make sure everyone in the household knows where it is.

Helping to Prevent Frozen Water Pipes:

• Seal any air drafts around fixtures.

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas.

• When freezing weather is forecast, turn off the water to outside spigots and drain all water from the line.

• Drain in-ground lawn irrigation systems. (Check manufacturer instructions for best method.)

• Report broken or missing meter lids to the Service Authority to help prevent frozen meters.

• Set the thermostat to no less than 55° F or simply shut off the main valve to protect pipes during extended absences from home in the winter. If you turn the heat off entirely, drain all water from pipes after closing the shut-off valve.

If Your Water Pipes Freeze:

• Turn on the closest cold water faucet to relieve pressure from expanding ice in pipes.

• Wrap towels soaked with warm water around pipes to gradually thaw them.

• DO NOT attempt using a blow torch or hair-dryer to thaw frozen pipes since intense heat can cause them to crack or burst.

Please call PWCSA Emergency Dispatch at (703) 335-7990 if you have a service disruption.