How to Prevent Winter Pipe Freeze-Up and Flooding

Few things are more frustrating than coming home to find that one or more of the pipes in your property have frozen, burst, and caused flooding. As a “heads up” to our customers, we present the following steps to prevent the occurrence of frozen pipes and flooding this winter. In case you forgot, here’s what to do now.

At the outside garden faucet: 

1. Turn off the INSIDE water shut-off valve. If it has a drain on it, open that and drain the valve completely. 

2. Go outside and remove the garden hose from the OUTSIDE garden water faucet. Open this faucet; allow it to drain; leave it open (DO NOT turn it off again).
3. If the faucet leaks, replace one or both.
4. Check to see if the water pipe to the outside is resting on concrete. If it is, place some insulation between the surface of the pipe and the concrete.

You may not have had to contend with a broken pipe and flooding for the past 10 years or more, but it’s possible you have come very close without realizing it. It is best to not take chances.

Now, go check to make sure you are protected from a freeze-up.