With the winter’s first stretch of frigid weather approaching, area utilities on COG’s Community Engagement Campaign (CEC) are encouraging homeowners to take steps to prevent frozen household plumbing and meters to avoid costly repairs and interruptions in service. Utilities share tips through their ongoing regional campaign, Protect Your Pipes.

To avoid frozen pipes, utilities recommend you:

• Set your thermostat above 55 degrees, especially if you will be away for an extended time.
• Turn on the faucet farthest away from your main valve to a small, steady trickle.
• Warm pipes in cupboards and vanities by opening the doors.
• Wrap pipes with insulation or even newspaper if they are exposed to cold air.
• Close off crawl spaces, seal drafty windows and doors, and insulate walls and attics to eliminate cold air sources near pipes.

No water coming from your tap?

• Your water meter or pipes may be frozen.

If your meter freezes:

• Call your water utility’s customer service line immediately if you think your meter is frozen.
• Do not thaw your water meter. This can result in extensive damage.
• Water utilities will replace outside water meters. It is their responsibility.
• Water meters located inside or outside homes and buildings may freeze when temperatures fall below freezing.

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.​

How do I find my main water shut off valve?

• Look for the main valve where the water supply enters your house (usually in the basement) or in a concrete box near the street.
• If the valve is outside your house, lift the cover with a large screwdriver.
• Use a pipe or crescent wrench to turn off the water.
• Mark the shut-off valve with fluorescent paint or tape so you can find it in the dark.

If you suspect your meter might be frozen or that a pipe burst in your community/neighborhood, contact your local water utility: www.protectyourpipes.org/frozen-pipes