WINTER TIPS

Frozen Pipes

I have no water! Help!

If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

To Thaw Frozen Pipes:

Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials) or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

Irrigation Systems

It’s time to make adjustments to your irrigation systems and begin winterizing your outdoor plumbing. Here are a few suggestions:

With the onset of rain and colder temperatures plants and turf do not need as much water. You may be able to significantly reduce your watering schedule or even shut it down for the winter.

Most controllers have an "off/rain” mode (see above) which simply shuts off the signals to the valves. The controller continues to keep time, the programming information (start times, valve run times, etc,) isn't lost, and the clock continues to run, all that changes is that the valves don't come on.

An alternative to using the rain mode is simply to shut off the power to the controller. If you do, you'll need to reprogram the time, and maybe all your other settings too, in the spring.

Shut off the water supply to the irrigation system. If possible, drain the water out of your irrigation system to prevent freeze damage.

Any above ground piping needs to be insulated against freezing.

You can install the foam insulating tubes (shown above) commonly sold at home supply stores.

Finally, an indoor suggestion: if you go on vacation or will be gone for a few days, do not shut your home heating system off completely. By leaving it on at a lower setting you may prevent overhead pipes in the attic from freezing and breaking while you’re out.