The weather has officially become chilly overnight and in the early morning. This can be a nice change to the hot summer months, but it also means a little more care for our water pipes. Each winter season comes the risk of damage from frozen pipes. We are here to provide some helpful tips on how to possible prevent breaks, and what to do should you have a water outage.
Tips to prepare for the temperature drop:
- Exposed pipes are the most susceptible to freezing. Be sure to insulate pipes that are exposed to the elements around the house and garage.
- Disconnect garden hoses and, if practical, disconnect sprinklers or irrigation systems and swamp coolers.
- Open the cabinets below the sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
- Identify the location of the main shut-off valve for the house
Tips for what to do when it hits freezing:
- Ensure all pipes are wrapped
- Let warm water drip from the faucet overnight, preferably a faucet that is on an outside wall
- Try to not set the thermostat too low inside the house
If you find that your pipes did freeze overnight by checking internal faucets, you can attempt to thaw the pipes with a hairdryer. Be sure to not use the hairdryer around any standing water. Start the attempt to thaw the pipes closest to the faucet and move outward. Never attempt to thaw the pipes with any type of open flame. For a more indepth inspection, contact a local plumber.
For those customers that may have vacant homes in our service area, consider completely turning the water off at the main shut-off valve. If you choose to do this, you can also empty the lines by running faucets and flushing the toilets. Be sure to consult with a plumber to confirm that water heaters/softeners do not need constant water supplies to avoid any damage. The Marana Water department has a vacant disconnection service for those customers who would like the water meter locked for an extended period of time. Contact our offices at (520) 382-2570 for additional information on the program and fees.
If a pipe does break, shut off the main valve. If the break is in a hot water line, the main to the water heater should be closed as well. Should your water outage persist, contact a local plumber to inspect for any breaks in your lines. As always, be cautious and safe when inspecting any plumbing issue.
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