Cold Weather Tips for Freezing Weather.

 

When freezing temperatures threaten in and around the South Walton County area, Regional Utilities offers residents the following tips for protecting their property during freezing weather.

Before Freezing Weather

  • Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home.
  • Remove garden hoses from outside faucets. Insulate outside faucets and showers with Styrofoam cover, rags or paper. Shut off and drain outside faucets and showers if possible.
  • Know where your property owner’s cut-off valve is located and how to use it.
  • While Regional Utilities strongly discourages the use of potable water for irrigation purpose, consider turning off irrigation systems during the winter months to help conserve water. Drain in-ground irrigation systems according to the manufacturer’s instructions.

In Freezing Weather

  • In unheated garages shut off water to washing machines. Water softeners should be drained and protected from freezing temperatures.
  • Take extra precautions to protect pipes that have frozen in the past.
  • Allow a trickle of water to drip at night from an indoor faucet, preferably one along an exterior wall or farthest from where the water service connects with the main water line. (Be sure to turn off the faucets after the threat of freezing weather.)

If You Are Not Going To Be At Home

  • Shut water off at the property owner’s cut-off valve or at the curb by the meter.
  • Turn off the power to the hot water heater, ice maker, etc.
  • Drain all water faucets.
  • Leave heating system on at a low level.
  • Open cabinet doors under sinks adjacent to outside walls.

If a Water Pipe Freezes and Breaks

Water expands when it freezes and will split or break a water pipe. Water may not begin leaking until the pipe thaws allowing water to flow.

  • Do not attempt to thaw with an open flame.
  • Turn off the main water shut-off valve immediately.
  • Determine where the pipe is broken or split, and arrange for repair as soon as possible.
  • When you are ready to turn the main water valve on again, make sure all faucets are off and proceed slowly.
  • Check immediately for additional leaks.

 

Property owners are responsible for protecting their home’s water pipes and repairing any breaks that occur.