Freezing Weather Tips
Outdoors:
- Wrap exposed pipes outside and underneath your home (if above ground) with insulation
- Cover outdoor faucets
- Disconnect and drain any outside water hoses
- If you will be away from home, it is suggested to turn off water at the hand cut-off valve, which is normally located 2 feet from your water meter, and drain pipes
- If you have a pool, make sure your main pool pump is running 24/7 to prevent pipes from freezing
Indoors:
- Protect water pipes that run through the attic
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors under sinks, especially if along an outside wall, to allow heat to circulate around uninsulated pipes
- Maintain a home temperature of no lower than 55 degrees
- LUS asks that you not drip/run water from your faucets as it can affect water pressure system wide
After the Freeze
- Do not attempt to thaw pipes with a torch or flame
- Thaw pipes with heat from a hair dryer or hot water
- Inspect pipes after thawing for any leaks
- Be on the lookout for water in unexpected areas, as this may indicate a leak or busted pipe
- Monitor your home’s usage after the freeze for the next five (5) days with your LUS online account at http://www.lus.org/MyAccount