COLD WEATHER WATER TIPS: PROTECT THOSE PIPES

Cold weather and freezing temperatures can mean broken water pipes and costly repairs to your home. But you can prepare for the onslaught of winter and avoid property damage by following these tips for keeping pipes safe and warm during the coming cold weather.

• Locate your shut-off valve, so that you can turn your water off quickly if your pipes do break.
• Eliminate drafts by plugging cracks, fixing broken windows, covering or closing open air vents, and closing all windows and doors near your pipes.
• Insulate all your pipes, and be sure to replace wet insulation.
• Disconnect and drain all garden hoses, and consider putting an insulating cover over the outside spigots.
• Check your meter box cover. Make sure it is closed. If it is broken, displaced, or missing, call the Department of Utilities at 664-6700.
• When low temperatures are predicted, let a thin trickle of water run from the faucet at the highest level in your house.
• If your pipes do break, immediately turn your water off at the shut-off valve.
• Remember, thawing frozen pipes is dangerous and could cause extensive damage. Call a plumber if your pipes freeze; never try to thaw pipes with an open flame.

For more information about winter weather preparedness, including tips for winter travel and assembling a winter travel kit for your car, visit www.vaemergency.com/threats/winter/index.cfm.