With temperatures at freezing levels, and potentially staying there for an extended time, the risk of water pipes freezing up rises. Seattle Public Utilities (SPU) wants to remind customers to protect their pipes and avoid serious consequences.
If pipes do break or freeze, SPU has tips on its website (click here) about what to do. To avoid broken or frozen pipes:
- Protect indoor pipes against exterior walls by opening sink cabinet doors to allow heat to circulate.
- During severe cold temperatures, allow one indoor faucet – the one farthest from the front door – to slowly drip cold water, but do not leave water running in unoccupied areas.
- Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees, day or night, even when away.
- Know where your shutoffs are, for water, gas and electricity, if an emergency occurs.
- Wrap exposed pipes, and those in unheated areas (attics, basements, garages, etc.) with tape and insulating materials.
- Drain, remove and store all outdoor hoses.
- Close foundation vents to minimize cold wind blowing into the house. Close vents by sliding cut pieces of wood or Styrofoam into openings – but be sure to open vents again in springtime to prevent dry rot.)
- If you have a separate shut-off valve for outside faucets, be sure it is shut off and all water drained from the pipes.
For those homes without a separate shut-off valve, wrap outside faucets or cover with hose bibs or foam insulated covers. - In-ground sprinkler systems should be shut off and drained according to manufacturer’s instructions
For more information on how to prepare for winter weather, visit the Seattle Department of Transportation’s winter weather website and the Take Winter By Storm site.
Most importantly, City emergency planners urge everyone to build emergency supply kits (with water, snacks, blankets, etc.) for their homes and vehicles, for use in severe snow or ice emergencies. And please, do not drive unless absolutely necessary, during severe inclement weather.