Helpful Hints: Winterizing Plumbing System
Every winter many homeowners experience frozen water pipes and costly repairs. By taking a few simple precautions, most can be avoided.

OUTDOOR FAUCETS

Before winter turn off the water supply from the inside and isolate to the faucet. Disconnect the hose and allow the water to drain from the pipe. It is possible that an overnight freeze could burst your faucet or the pipe it is connected to.

 

MAINTAIN HEAT AT METER MANIFOLD

Your service line should enter at the meter manifold. It is imperative that this has sufficient heat to prevent freezing. Seal off access doors, cracks, and broken windows. Wind chill factors can easily freeze exposed water pipes. Meter pit sets must also be protected with a suitable metal lid and insulated per West View Water Authority code. Specifications are available upon request.

 

INSULATE PIPES OR FAUCETS

In any unheated area insulate pipes or faucets. If you have pipelines in an unheated crawl space or cold garage, wrap the water pipes before the temperature drops below freezing.

 

LOCATE YOUR MASTER SHUTOFF

Know where you master shutoff is at your water meter. This will turn off your supply to the entire building. Other internal isolation valves are installed to isolate items such as your hot water tank, washer machines, kitchens, baths, etc.

 

FROZEN LINES

Using a simple hair dryer can sometimes help frozen pipe lines to be thawed. Never use a torch or open flame. Care should be taken when thawing because the pipe may already be broken and once thawed, you will need to control the water. We recommend you consult with your plumber before you start any emergency work.