When the weather turns colder, water expands as it freezes and this can put tremendous stress on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. Usually, pipes that freeze are exposed to severe cold weather, like outdoor hose bibs, water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements, garages, or kitchen cabinets. To keep meters from freezing during extreme cold snaps, it is important to have a constant flow of water going through the meter.
If you recently had your meter thawed by a Loudoun Water staff member, please take extra care to prevent your meter from refreezing again.
During significant cold snaps, follow these tips:
- To prevent your pipes from freezing, allow a faucet to trickle cold water. The faucet you choose should be the one that is the greatest distance from your main water shut off valve and at the highest point in your home. This is especially important if your property has experienced frozen meters in the past.
- Open the cabinets beneath any place with a water supply, such as the kitchen and bathroom sinks. This will allow warm air to circulate. (Remove any toxic substances first if there are small children or pets in the home.)
- If your pipes freeze, never thaw a pipe with an open flame. Use warm water to soak towels, then wrap the towels around the frozen pipes.
If you recently had your meter thawed by a Loudoun Water staff member, please take care to prevent your meter from refreezing by following the above tips.
Here are a few preventive measures that can help you when temperatures dip below freezing:
- Whether you're at home or away traveling, keep your thermostat set no lower than 55F. Travelers will often make the mistake of turning their thermostats off thinking it will save on their heating bill when in reality, they'll come home to frozen pipes.
- Shut off and drain the pipes leading to your outside faucets and/or hose bibs so no water is left to freeze, expand and cause a leak in these lines.
- Keep doors and windows to the outside tightly closed.
- Insulate pipes in any unheated or drafty areas. Hardware and plumbing supply stores carry insulation to keep pipes from freezing.
- Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements.
- Know where your main shut off valve is and label it. Minimize the potential for water damage by ensuring that everyone in the household knows how to shut off the water in case of an emergency.
Freezing pipes are one of the most expensive risks homeowners face. Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. Minimize the potential of water damage by ensuring that everyone in the house knows how to shut off the water in an emergency. To help with this, Loudoun Water has a printable label that you can attach for easy identification.
As the weather remains colder, remember the importance of preventing frozen pipes and meters. If you suspect a frozen pipe or meter, you can contact Loudoun Water one of several ways:
- Call 571-291-7880 during regular business hours.
- Call our after hours emergency number at 571-291-7878.
- If you are unable to get through, fill out a Contact Us online form on our website.
We ask that you do not attempt to open your own meter crock as this can damage your meter and result in fines. Also, if a Loudoun Water staff member has been dispatched to your property to work on your meter, please do not approach them for their safety. If you have any questions, please call our Customer Relations team at 571-291-7880 and they can answer your questions.