Winter and Water Pipes  

If your water pipes freeze and break this winter, you'll have costly repairs on your hands, and you'll lose precious water.  Before another Hampton Roads winter sneaks up on you, protect your pipes from the approaching cold.

     In Advance of Cold Weather

Insulate your pipes and replace wet insulation.  Insulation materials are inexpensive and available at hardware stores.  If you need insulation immediately, you can wrap your pipes with newspaper and tape.

Wrap outside faucets and keep the wrapping dry.

Eliminate drafts.  Plug cracks.  Fix broken windows and coverings.  Close all air vents, windows and doors near your pipes.

Disconnect and drain all garden hoses.

Check your meter box cover for needed repairs and make sure it's closed.

     When Freezing Temperatures Are Predicted

Let a rapid drip of water run from the highest faucet in your house.

Leave cabinet doors open so room heat can reach the pipes.

Locate your shut-off valve so you can turn off your water if your pipes break.

     If Your Pipes Do Freeze

Turn your water off at the shut-off valve.  When pipes thaw, they may break.

NEVER thaw pipes with an open flame.  It's dangerous - call a licensed plumber.

We are here to serve you!

EMERGENCY NUMBERS:

Water or Sewer Main Breaks (757) 823-1000

Customer Service (757) 664-6700

Miss Utility (Call Before You Dig)

1-800-552-7001