Protect Water Pipes

• Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately. The main water valve is usually located along a basement wall next to the water meter or where the water supply enters the building.
• Know the areas in your home where water pipes are most vulnerable to freezing.  Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines such as crawl spaces, outside faucets, unheated rooms, basements, or garages. Repair broken windows.
• Protect your pipes. Wrap exposed water pipes (in areas such as attics, basements and garages) with insulation or UL-listed heat tape. These materials are available at local hardware stores.
• If you plan to go away, or if you have renters or own a vacant property, ask a friend or neighbor to check your house daily to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent freezing — or shut off and drain the water system. If you have a fire protection sprinkler system in your house, it will be deactivated when you shut off the water.
• Drain and remove all outdoor hoses, and shut off and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.

Additional information

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