Keep Pipes From Bursting During Cold Temps: HoCo Officials

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — As temperatures dip below freezing at night this week, there are several things residents need to do to help prevent their pipes from freezing and possibly bursting.

“These are everyday tips that can help our residents protect their pipes and ultimately their homes,” Howard County Executive Calvin Ball said in a news release. “I encourage all our residents and businesses to take a few moments to check the status of their pipes amid winter's freezing temperatures, it could save you from unwanted and costly damage."

Water pipes located in a crawlspace or on an outside wall are subjected to sub-freezing temperatures, as are pipes located in a garage or any other unheated building. To help combat this problem and reduce the probability of your pipes freezing and bursting, the county’s bureau of utilities recommends the following:

• Wrap or insulate exposed pipes susceptible to low temperatures.
• Utilize other devices, such as heat tape, to help keep pipes from freezing.
• Leave hot and cold water dripping the thickness of a pencil on nights when temperatures dip below 15 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Some pipes, such as those located in cabinets or vanities, and situated against an outside wall may be insulated but may be likely to freeze. It is a good practice to leave cabinet doors open to allow heat in the room to keep pipes warm and prevent freezing.

The bureau also suggests these simple steps to avoid a water leak and damage:

• Turn off the inside water valve for any hose connections and open the outside hose bib to drain the line.
• Know where your home’s inside main water cutoff valve is and check that it is functional by hand. In case of a leak this valve will turn off water flow coming into the home and thereby limit damage.
• Seal any air leaks that allow icy blasts to reach pipes.
• For homes with crawl spaces, close outside air vents located in the foundation wall during extremely cold temperatures to keep exposed plumbing from freezing.
• If you have a programmable thermostat, consider leaving it at a constant temperature, never below 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If you are going on an extended vacation, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit or above.

Also, to help keep county fire hydrants from freezing and help prevent street flooding, residents are asked to shovel snow away from hydrants in their neighborhood that are covered or obstructed by snow, as well as keeping debris and snow, away from stormwater runoff drains.

If your pipes do freeze, the bureau recommends opening the cold water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve pressure. Then, use a gentle heat source, such as a light bulb or hair dryer, to thaw the pipe. Do not use an open flame, the department advised.