Protecting Your Home Plumbing Pipes

It's important to protect your home plumbing pipes and inside water meter from freezing and bursting. Here are some tips to help winterize your home:

• Repair broken windows, doors and walls and tightly close doors and windows to the outside;



• Insulate outside walls;



• Inquire with your local plumbing or hardware store about materials to insulate pipes and meters;



• Seal all leaks in crawl spaces and basements. If your vents won't close, cover them from the inside with insulation, cardboard, plastic or newspaper;



• Turn off the water to outside faucets, remove hoses and drain the pipes;



• If a pipe freezes, completely open the cold water faucet nearest the frozen pipe. This will relieve the pressure and reduce the chance of breakage;



• Use a hand-held dryer if you decide to thaw the pipe yourself; and



• If you're not certain what to do, call a registered plumber for help.

For our customers who take extended vacations during winter months, click here for more detailed information on winterizing your home.

These tips are provided to aid homeowners in winterizing their homes. While no one can guarantee against frozen/broken pipes, it is important to take steps for prevention. Citizens also may prefer to contact a registered Master Plumber to perform any of these winterization tips.