WSSC Water is Winter Ready

WSSC Water Preparations for Extreme Cold 

Recording of 1/21/25 Virtual Briefing and Presentation

Recording of 1/17/25 Virtual Briefing, Presentation and Messaging Toolkit

Winter Weather Messaging Toolkit

There are three simple ways to report a water main break: 

• Call us: 24/7 Emergency Services Center 301-206-4002. 
• Email us: emergencycallcenter@wsscwater.com. 
• Use WSSC Water’s Mobile App. 

We encourage you to sign up for our Customer Notification System (CNS for short) to alert you about work in your area that may affect your service or daily routine.

During a typical year, WSSC Water crews repair more than 1,700 water main breaks and leaks, approximately 65 percent of which (1,115) occur between November and February.

With a direct connection between dropping water temperatures in the Potomac River and increasing water main breaks, WSSC Water keeps a close eye on the temperature of the Potomac River this time of year. Maryland’s largest water utility typically experiences an increase in breaks a few days after the river temperature hits a new low.

Important tips for homeowners

Before cold weather sets in:

• Locate and operate your main water shut off valve. If a pipe breaks inside your home, this valve allows you to turn off the water.
• Shut off the water to your hose connections outdoors. The shut off valve will be inside your home and connected to the pipe supplying water to your outdoor hose connection. Ensure that all hoses are disconnected and the lines are drained to the hose connection.
• Tightly close all doors and windows, repair as necessary to seal out drafts.
• Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• The temperature where water meters and interior pipes are located should be at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Consider insulation for pipes in colder areas of the home.
•  During an extended cold snap: 
  • Allow kitchen and/or bathroom faucets to drip to keep water moving (recommend doing this only when you’re home).
  • Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to your home’s warmth.
• If you plan to be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home. Set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.

If a pipe in your home freezes:

• Completely open the cold and/or hot water faucet closest to the frozen pipe. This will relieve pressure and reduce the chance of breakage.
• If you decide to try thawing the pipe yourself, use a hand-held electric hair dryer and be careful! When a pipe freezes and thaws it may split and spray water. Be sure to know where your main water shut off valve is located. Watch the video above to learn how to locate your shut off valve.
• When in doubt, call a Registered Licensed WSSC Water Plumber for help.

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Be prepared: Store water

A water main break can occur at any time, but especially during winter months. Additionally, meters sometimes can freeze, causing an unexpected water outage. Be prepared: Store water for your household ahead of time. The rule of thumb is to store one-to-two gallons per person, per day, to last at least three days. Remember to store water for your pets!