Bursting Myths About Winter Pipe Maintenance

You’re heading out of town to escape the winter cold for a few weeks. Bags are in the car, you’re walking out the door when it occurs to you that maybe you should leave your tap faucet running to prevent pipes from bursting as temperatures continue to plummet. Not so, says Dick Lorenz, Westerville’s Water Utility Manager.

“Houses in this region should be built to withstand the cold,” Lorenz said. “Homeowners in southern states may encounter this problem during a cold snap, but it’s rare for temperatures alone to cause this issue in a Westerville home.”

Lorenz recommends snowbirds consider turning off the valve at the home’s waterline meter before leaving. While it’s not a necessity, it is a good idea to at least check that this valve is in good working order to help prevent a home flood in the event of an emergency.

While taps inside the home should be safe, Lorenz says that there are steps homeowners can take outside to prevent future issues.

“Make sure to detach outdoor hoses from spigots before temperatures drop. If you don’t have a frost-free outdoor spigot, make sure to turn off the water to outdoor faucets,” he said.

Pipes in uninsulated areas of the house (like a basement) can freeze if homeowners forget to close windows or exterior doors for a prolonged period. Just like you check each room to ensure electronics and lights are turned off before leaving the house, Lorenz suggests it also makes sense to ensure all windows and doors are shut and sealed correctly.

Learn more about the Westerville Water Division at www.westerville.org/water.