As a cold weather pattern moves into our area, the Weir River Water System would like to remind residents water pipes and meters can freeze within hours of the onset of sub-freezing weather—if they’re exposed to cold air or drafts. Property owners are responsible for protecting their water pipes and water meters (interior or exterior) from cold air and wind. To avoid loss due to extreme cold, like burst pipes or a frozen water meter, the Weir River Water system recommends the following (for both primary and secondary residences in the region):
- Maintain heat at 55 degrees (Fahrenheit) or greater; ideally, keep the heat at 65 degrees or greater throughout the extended cold stretch
- Open cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
- Keep the doors to rooms where the pipes and water meter are located open so warm air can keep temperatures above freezing.
- Letting a faucet fed by pipes exposed to extremely cold weather drip can prevent the water inside from freezing.
- Turn on the water periodically at all faucets that are exposed to cold air when outside temperatures have been below freezing for several days.
- When you’re away, never completely shut off the heat unless you drain all the pipes and toilets first. If you do this, be sure to turn off your water heater first, and drain your heating system’s pipes and radiators, too.
- Add insulation to exterior walls wherever possible and wrap pipes with insulation.
- Eliminate cold drafts near water pipes and make sure all doors and windows to the outside are tightly closed, including those in basements and crawl spaces.
- Disconnect and drain garden hoses from outside faucets and turn off the connection to those faucets at the interior valve.
- Winterize irrigation systems.
- Find the main water shut-off valve to your home. Show all household members how to turn it off in case of a burst pipe or similar emergency.