Prevent Frozen Pipes

How to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Set your thermostat above 55 degrees, especially if you will be away for an extended time.
Turn on the faucet farthest away from your main valve to a small, steady trickle.
Warm pipes in cupboards and vanities by opening the doors.
Wrap pipes with insulation or even newspaper if they are exposed to cold air.
Close off crawl spaces, seal drafty windows and doors, and insulate walls and attics to eliminate cold air sources near pipes.

Tips for Vacant Homes

If there is a power outage in your area that requires you to leave your home, or you own a property in a location that is forecast to receive prolonged below freezing temperatures, follow these best practices:

Shut off the main water valve, usually located near the water meter box on the sidewalk or street.
Drain all pipes by opening every faucet and spigot (both hot and cold water). Start on the top floor and move down to the lowest level. Don’t forget to empty exterior water lines too.
Flush toilets to remove as much water as possible from the bowl and tank. In addition, run the washing machine and dishwasher for a brief period to clear their water lines.
Turn off the electricity or gas powering your water heater, so that it shuts off the heating element. Then, drain your water heater according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
To refill the plumbing, open all of the faucets/spigots and then slowly open the main water valve to gradually recharge your water system. This helps to make sure all the air is pushed out of pipes and water lines.
Contact a licensed plumber if you have a boiler or wet system or if you feel uncomfortable with any of these winterizing steps for your vacant home. Most plumbers will have experience with proper winterization techniques and can help you drain your water system and recharge it quickly and thoroughly.

No Water from the Tap or Main Water Valve?

Your water meter or pipes may be frozen.

If Your Meter Freezes

Call your water utility’s customer service line immediately if you think your meter is frozen. Arlington residents can call the County's Water and Sewer Control Center at 703-228-5000 (M-F, 7 a.m.-7 p.m.) to send a staff member to investigate the issue.
Do not thaw your water meter. This can result in extensive damage.
Water utilities will replace outside water meters. It is their responsibility.
Water meters located inside or outside homes and buildings may freeze when temperatures fall below freezing.

If Your Pipes Freeze

Shut off the water immediately at the main shut off valve.
Melt frozen water in the pipes slowly by warming the air around it using a hair dryer or wrapping pipes in warm towels.
Never use a kerosene heater, blow torch or open flame and keep heat away from flammable materials.
Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn water back on.
Check all pipes and joints for leaks or cracks.
Leaks or pools of water from pipes means there was a burst or crack.
Call a plumbing professional if you suspect a burst pipe or can’t find the frozen section.

How Do I Find my Main Water Shut Off Valve?

Look for the main valve where the water supply enters your house (usually in the basement) or in a concrete box near the street.
If the valve is outside your house, lift the cover with a large screwdriver.
Use a pipe or crescent wrench to turn off the water.
Mark the shut-off valve with fluorescent paint or tape so you can find it in the dark.