How to Avoid Frozen Water Pipes
Posted on January 14, 2024
Temperatures below freezing may cause homeowners to experience problems with frozen pipes. Pipes that are most susceptible to freezing are outdoor faucets, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines. Water supply lines in basements, crawl spaces, and garages can also freeze since these spaces are not heated. Plumbing located in walls exposed to the outside are also at risk of freezing. Versailles Municipal Utilities offers the following tips for preventing water pipes from freezing:
o Make sure the water meter box cover is not broken, missing, or open. Report missing or broken covers to Versailles Municipal Utilities’ Public Works Department at (859) 873-2245.
o Disconnect and drain garden hoses. Drain outside faucets and / or insulate them if you are unable to drain them.
o Pipes located in unheated spaces should be insulated. Heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables can be used to prevent pipes from freezing. These should be installed and operated per the manufacturer’s instructions.
o Open the vanity or cabinet doors to allow warm air to reach water pipes if a sink is on an outside wall. You can also leave a very thin stream or drip of water running continuously when the temperature reaches the low teens.
o Keep doors and windows in basements and garages tightly shut. Keep crawl space vents and doors closed. Seal cracks in basement or crawl space walls.
o Turn off water at the shut-off valve and drain water pipes if leaving town for an extended period of time.
o Use hot air from a hair dryer, heat gun, or a light bulb to thaw a frozen pipe. Never use an open flame to thaw a pipe.
o Opening the water meter box during extremely cold weather, allows cold air to enter the meter box, which could freeze the water meter and cause pipes around the water meter to freeze.
o Do not attempt to thaw a frozen water meter or water pipes in the meter box. Any form of heat used around the water meter could damage the water meter. Call Versailles Municipal Utilities at 873-2245, if you suspect the meter is frozen.
While the temperature remains extremely low, it is advised to leave a trickle of water running overnight to prevent pipes from freezing. The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe.
