Frozen and burst water pipes can put an instant freeze on your holiday gathering. Follow the tips below to protect your home’s plumbing before cold winter weather arrives.
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses.
Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas of the house such as garages, basements, attics and crawl spaces.
Consider installing “heat tape” or “heat cable.”
Seal off outside access doors and cracks to keep the cold out.
Keep garage doors closed if there are water lines located in the garage.
Locate your master shutoff so you know how to turn off your water.
Keep your home’s thermostat on the same setting during the day and at night.
If you do experience a water service emergency, contact the Department of Utilities at 757-823-1000.
For more information on other ways to prepare for winter weather, visit www.readyvirginia.gov.