City of Durham Urges Residents to Protect Pipes From Freezing
With temperatures expected to dip well below freezing this week, Durham residents should take precautions now to prevent their pipes from freezing. When unprotected water lines are exposed to freezing temperatures for several hours, the water in the pipes also freezes. As water freezes, it expands and can cause pipes to crack or split, which can lead to significant leaks that may cause extensive water loss and substantial property damage.
The City of Durham’s Department of Water Management is offering the tips below to help prevent their pipes from freezing:
Indoors
• Keep kitchen and bath pipes exposed to warm air by leaving cabinet doors open during periods of extreme cold.
• Don’t turn the thermostat too low when leaving for work or extended absences. Keep the temperature set at a normal nighttime setting.
• Locate the master shut-off valve, label it, and make sure everyone in the family knows where it is. (Master shut-offs may be near the water heater or the washing machine. More than likely it is located where the water line comes into the house from the street. If a pipe bursts anywhere in the house, use this valve to turn off the water supply to minimize damage.)
• If residents are going to be gone from their homes for any length of time, shut off the water supply at the main valve; then turn on faucets and flush the toilets to drain the pipes. Drained water can be collected and used to water house plants or other domestic uses.
Outdoors
• Disconnect and drain all outdoor hoses. Detaching the hose allows water to drain from the pipe.
• Protect faucets with insulated covers available at hardware and building supply stores.
• Winterize irrigation systems by draining and shutting off water supplies.
• Close all windows and doors near water lines, including garage doors.
• Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
• Close foundation vents and seal cracks in the basement, crawl spaces or along outside walls.
• Wrap pipes in unheated areas with weatherproof insulation. Don’t leave any gaps.
• Use heat tape to wrap pipes. Consult a professional if necessary.
If pipes freeze despite taking these precautions:
• Assume there is a break or split at some point. Have repair clamps ready when the pipes thaw and be prepared to shut the water off quickly.
• Slowly thaw the pipes, using a hair dryer, heat lamp, or electric heater. Do NOT use an open flame (blow torch) to thaw pipes.
Customers are responsible for protecting water pipes from freezing and for repairing broken pipes on their property. If citizens see breaks or leaks in City water lines, they are asked to contact Durham One Call at (919) 560-1200. For more information on protecting pipes from winter weather, contact the City’s Department of Water Management at (919) 560-4381. For more information on ways to save water, visit www.DurhamSavesWater.org.
About the Department of Water Management
The City’s Department of Water Management is responsible for the operation and maintenance of Durham's water supply, water treatment and water reclamation (wastewater treatment) facilities, the collection and distribution systems (including meter reading) and customer billing services. For more information, visit www.durhamnc.gov/departments/wm.
