If Your Pipes Freeze, Here's What To Do

Water utilities across the region are experiencing a high volume of calls from customers with frozen pipes and/or frozen meters (which stop water from flowing) due to the extreme cold temperatures outside. It seems this cold air is going to continue ALL WEEK. Here are some tips to consumers on how to prevent and/or deal with frozen pipes.

To Prevent Frozen Pipes:

• Eliminate sources of cold air near pipes by closing off crawl spaces, sealing drafty windows and doors, and insulating walls and attics.
• If pipes are exposed to cold air, wrap them with insulation or even newspaper will help.
• Keep water moving through pipes by turning on the faucet farthest from your main valve to a very small, steady trickle.
• Keep pipes in cupboards and vanities warmer by opening the doors to those cupboards to let warm air in.

If Your Pipes Freeze:

• Shut off the water immediately at the main shutoff valve.
• You can melt the frozen water inside the pipes by warming the air around it using a hair dryer. Do not use a kerosene heater, blow torch or open flame.
• Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn water back on and check all joints for leaks and other areas for cracks that may have occurred as a result of the freeze.

If you suspect your meter might be frozen, call your water utility’s customer service line to let them know so they can schedule a service call to fix it:

• Arlington County 703-228-6570
• DC Water 202-612-3400
• Fairfax Water 703-698-5800
• Frederick County 301-600-1825
• Leesburg 703-771-275
• Loudoun Water 571-291-7880
• Prince William County Service Authority 703-335-7950
• Virginia American Water 800-452-6863
• WSSC 301-206-4002