PUBLIC SERVICE ANNOUNCEMENT

You Can Prevent Freezing Water Pipes!

Each year the Clarksburg Water Board receives many calls concerning frozen water pipes. Frozen water pipes burst and cause water damage to homes, businesses, etc. This happens mainly because of improperly insulated pipes or because heat is not on in the building. Here are a few tips to help you prevent frozen pipes, what you can do if experiencing freezing, and what to do if a leak occurs.

 

Prevention:

1. Know which pipes in your home are susceptible to freezing, those closest to outside walls, places where outside cold air can be felt (crawl spaces, attic, etc.) Seal any cracks into the home that allow cold air in where pipes are located.
2. Insulate as much as possible outside walls near water pipes, or pipes can be wrapped with (UL approved) heat tape.
3. To reduce the risk of freezing outside spigots, shut off, disconnect hoses, and drain water from hoses.
4. Know where you main shutoff valve is in the home. This maybe the quickest way to stopping a busted pipe leak.
5. We recommend that you request that your water service be turned off during winter months if NO HEAT WILL BE ON IN THE BUILDING.This can be done by contacting the Clarksburg Water Board at 304-623-3711.

 

If experiencing freezing:

• Open cabinet doors to allow more heat to get to pipes near an outer wall.
• Keep water moving in pipes by allowing cold water to run into the drain. Start by opening all the faucets in the home. Let them run for about 1-minute. The faucet that appears to be freezing is the one you want to keep running (a small trickle will do).It will cost you a lot more to replace damaged furnishings if pipes were to burst, than the cost of a little wasted water.
• KEEP HEAT ON at all times. Heat should not be lower than 60 degrees, especially if you plan to be away from the home for long periods of time. A house sitter (someone who can check on the home periodically) may be a good alternative to coming home to find the house full of water.
• Never use a propane torch to thaw a pipe. Leaking gas or an accidental fire can result in a major fire or explosion.

If leak has occurred:

• Contact the Clarksburg Water Board if you can not shut the water off at the main valve.
• The potential for electric shock in and around standing water is great therefore, be very careful.
• Call a certified plumber to repair any damage to your water service line and internal piping.
• Contact your insurance agent to notify them of any damage.