WASHINGTON — For the first time since 1994, temperatures in D.C. are expected to fall below zero. Already this winter, the cold has led to hundreds of frozen or broken pipes.
Over the past 10 days, D.C. Water has fielded more than 4,000 calls from customers — many for frozen or bursting pipes. Other water utilities in the region have experienced high call volumes as well.
You can take these steps to reduce the risk of pipe damage.
To prevent frozen pipes:
- Eliminate sources of cold air near pipes by sealing drafty windows and doors, and insulating walls and attics.
- If pipes are exposed to cold air, wrap them with insulation or even newspaper will help.
- Keep water moving through pipes by turning on the faucet farthest from your main valve to a very small, steady trickle.
- Run warm water through your pipes if you begin to see a decrease in water pressure to loosen any ice that may be forming within your pipes.
- Keep pipes in cabinets and vanities warmer by opening the doors to those cabinets to let warm air in.
If your pipes freeze:
If you have a frozen pipe, take steps to thaw it to keep it from bursting.
- First, locate and shut off the main water supply valve in case a pipe has broken.
- Next, open the faucet so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. This will help melt more ice.
- Then, gently apply heat with a hairdryer around the pipe. Keep all sources of heat away from flammable materials and do not use any open flame devices. Also, do not use devices that will cause the melted ice to boil, as that can also cause pipes to break.
- Call a licensed plumber if you cannot locate the frozen section, if you are unable to reach it, or if you are unable to thaw it.
- Check for other frozen pipes in your home or business, especially those pipes that are located along an exterior wall or bring the water into the building at the foundation.
- Once you have thawed the frozen area, check the pipes for leaks to make sure the ice did not cause any cracks or damage to your pipes.
For pipes outside your home:
- The service line that runs from the meter outside your home to your indoor plumbing is considered private property and is the owner’s responsibility. If you believe you have a problem on the private-side service line, please contact a licensed and registered plumber.
- The water mains that carry water to service lines are highly pressurized and fast moving, and therefore extremely unlikely to ever freeze.
For emergency service inside your home, contact a licensed plumber. Call the D.C. Water 24-hour emergency line at 202-612-3400 for water emergencies on public property, including suspected water main breaks, especially if you see water running from a building into public property.
