Cold Weather Freezes Pipes in Dublin and San Ramon

- Information received from a DSRSD press release

As a result of freezing temperatures in Dublin and San Ramon overnight about 40 customers have reported symptoms of frozen pipes at their homes.

The District’s Customer Service team is advising its customers as follows:

• If a pipe has burst, turn off the water at the main shut-off valve and call a licensed plumber. If the water cannot be turned off, call the District at 925-828-8524 during business hours. After hours, call the Alameda County Sheriff’s Dispatch at 925-462-1212. Repairs are the property owner’s responsibility if indoor or outdoor pipes break between the meter and the homeowner’s property.

• If no water flows from taps after a cold night, suspect a frozen pipe. Do not use an open flame to thaw pipes. Keep a faucet open and wrap the frozen pipe with towels soaked in hot water or simply wait for the pipe to thaw as the air temperature rises.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

If you have no water in your home after a very cold night, chances are good that water is frozen in the pipes. You can slowly thaw the pipes by wrapping them with towels soaked in hot water (if available). To alleviate pressure, first open all the faucets inside the home one-quarter turn and turn off the valve that supplies the house (unless it is frozen open). As the ice thaws, water will begin trickling out of the faucets. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. More than one pipe may need to be thawed. DSRSD’s Field Operations Supervisor recommends remaining at home while pipes are thawing, in case a pipe cracks. If you are unable to locate the frozen pipe or it is inaccessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

DSRSD does not recommend using hairdryers or other electrical devices around water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device to thaw pipes. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Property owners should take the following steps to protect exposed outdoor pipes when below-freezing temperatures are predicted.

Remove, drain and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves that supply outdoor hose bibs, and then open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.

Insulate exposed pipes. Hardware stores stock pipe insulation sleeves, UL-listed “heat tape” or “heat cable,” and similar products. Pipes should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted tightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow manufacturer's recommendations for installing and using these products. Alternatives include wrapping pipes with newspapers, blankets, or towels.

Drain water from supply lines to swimming pools and water sprinklers following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.