Cold temperatures can freeze the water in your pipes causing the pipes to burst and leak. Take steps in your home today to prevent your pipes from freezing.

Follow these steps:

1. Locate your water service shut off valve so you can shut off water if a pipe breaks.

If a pipe does freeze and burst, you want to locate your water service shut off valve to quickly shut water off in your home and minimize damage. This valve is often located in your basement or crawl space where your water line comes into your home.

2. Identify areas of your home that are not protected from cold weather.

Check rooms that are not insulated, rooms without access to heat and openings in doors and windows. Basements and rooms open to the elements are most vulnerable to frozen pipes. 

3. Eliminate access to cold air by:

• Repairing broken windows
• Insulating all exterior walls
• Sealing any openings near doors and windows

4. Protect exposed pipes by wrapping them with insulation.

5. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs.

• After shutting off the supply, remove any drain caps so there is no water left in the line.
• Go outside and make sure no hoses are attached to the outside faucets. This is necessary even for freeze-proof faucets.
• Open all outside faucets that have been shut off from the inside.

If your pipes freeze:

1. Check your shutoff valve. It may have been accidentally turned off. You also want to know where the shutoff valve is located in case your pipes leak when they thaw.
2. After water is shut off, you can heat frozen pipes with a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Do not use open flames and do not leave heaters unattended.
3. Once thawed, turn water back on and check for leaks. Frozen pipes can cause small cracks in pipes and joints.
4. Work with a licensed plumber to repair any broken pipes.

If you think your water meter is frozen or broken, call 303-658-2500 to schedule an appointment with a water meter technician.