Protecting household plumbing from clogs and other damage requires year round effort, but your wallet and the region’s water supply will benefit.

Proper disposal of “clogging criminals” in the trash, particularly grease and wipes, prevents unsanitary back-ups into your home. And while baby wipes and similar products masquerade as “flushable” or “sewer friendly,” they also belong in the trash, not the toilet.

Just a tablespoon of grease down the drain or a wipe flushed can really add up when mixed with other waste in the sewers. Earlier this year, the U.K. discovered its latest “fatberg,” a giant mass of fat and other clogging criminals the size of “six double decker buses.” Others have been found in Charleston and Baltimore. The cost of resolving these situations can lead to higher sewer bills for all.

Throughout the winter, it’s also important to be prepared for the cold weather’s effect on your pipes. Water utilities are responsible for water mains and pipe lines that connect to your home, but not pipes located on your property.

Prevent frozen pipes and meters: 

• Set home thermostats above 55 degrees during cold weather.
• Drip cold water in the farthest faucet from your main valve. Moving water keeps pipes from freezing.
• Find shut off valves for emergencies.
• Insulate pipes in unheated areas.
• Open cupboards and vanities to warm pipes.
• Close inside valves that control the water supply.
• Keep outside valves open so water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing a break.
• When freezing weather is coming, turn off water to outside spigots and drain all water from the line.

If your pipes freeze:

• First, check with a neighbor to see if they’re experiencing the same issue. If they have a loss of water too, it may be the result of a main break. But if they have running water, it’s likely your pipes have frozen.
• Do not apply direct heat to the pipes. If your pipes freeze, melt the frozen water by warming the air around the pipes or wrapping the pipes in a warm towel.
• Make sure the faucet is turned on so melting water can drip out.
• After your pipes have thawed, look to see if your pipes are cracked or damaged and make sure to take necessary precautions to prevent freezing from happening again.
• Leaks or pools of water from pipes means there was a burst or crack.
• Call a plumbing professional if you suspect a burst pipe or can’t find the frozen section.​

If you suspect your meter might be frozen or that a pipe burst in your community/neighborhood, contact your local water utility.

By taking the proper precautions outlined at ProtectYourPipes.org, you can avoid damage to your home and the region’s wastewater system year round, keeping money in your pocket.