Winter is here, and with it comes the risk of frozen pipes and water meters that can cause costly damage and leave you without water for days. To prevent this from happening, City Utilities offers some tips that every homeowner should know and follow.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

One of the easiest ways to protect your pipes and water meters from freezing is to disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. By doing this, you are preventing a hard freeze from bursting outdoor faucets and water lines leading to them. Drain and coil the hose, then store it in the garage or basement to prevent damage from cold temperatures.

If you have a separate valve for outdoor faucets, make sure to shut off the water supply to them as well.

Know the Location of the Main Water Shutoff Valve

Another important tip is to know the location of your main water shutoff valve or a main water shut-off control. This will allow you to turn off all the water coming into the house if you have a broken pipe. The valve is usually near where the main water line enters the house. You might want to tag the valve so it’s easy to locate in an emergency and show other family members the location.

Insulate the Meter, Pipes, or Faucets in Unheated Areas

To prevent pipes from freezing, wrap the pipes that run through unheated garages or crawl spaces using insulating tape or a molded flexible pipe sleeve sold at many hardware stores and cover the entire length of the exposed pipe. Meters in a garage should be in an insulated box. If located outside in a pit, make sure the lid is not broken or missing.

You can also use insulating tape or fiberglass insulation to cover all valves, joints, etc., with pipes.

Open Doors Below a Sink

If you have sinks below exterior walls, opening cabinet doors will allow warm air to reach them. This can help prevent pipes from freezing under sinks.

Use a Space Heater Near Drains and Water Pipes

Remember that drains can freeze too. Use a space heater near drains and water pipes to keep warm air circulating around them. This can help prevent clogs and bursts.

Frozen pipes and water meters are not only inconvenient but also dangerous. They can cause leaks, floods, mold growth, health hazards, and high repair bills. By following these tips from City Utilities, you can protect your home from freezing temperatures and enjoy winter without worries.