From The Statehouse File
As cold weather and winter approach, it’s important to protect your pipes from freezing during low temperatures, according to a press release from Indiana American Water. Frozen pipes can leave you without water in the worst of weather and cost a lot to repair. With a few simple steps, you can easily preserve both your budget and your peace of mind.
Locate and test your main water shut-off valve
Before the cold sets in, locate your main water shut-off valve and hang an ID tag on it so you can find it quickly in an emergency. In many homes, it is located near the water meter or close to where the water pipe enters the home.
To test your main water shut-off valve, slowly close it. If you have a ball valve, it generally only requires a quarter turn to close. Gate valves are generally closed by turning the handle clockwise and should turn easily. You may need to have it serviced if it does not close easily.
Once the shut-off valve is completely closed, check sinks and other water fixtures to make sure you found the main water valve and that it is working properly. If no water comes out of any faucets, CONGRATULATIONS, you found your shut-off valve! See below for more tips to help keep life flowing this winter.
Open cabinet doors
If pipes run through cabinets or vanities, open the doors to let warmer room temperatures flow in.
Protect your pipes
Wrap pipes with insulation or heat tape before cold weather sets in.
Check irrigation systems
Make sure everything is turned off and drained.
Eliminate cold draftsÂ
Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines and fix drafts around windows and doors.
Allow water to flow
When temperatures stay below freezing, keep water moving through the pipes by allowing a small trickle of water to run.
