Philadelphia will experience long stretches of below-freezing temperatures in the coming days, and that can result in frozen pipes on your property and a loss of water. 

Besides cutting off water, frozen pipes can burst and lead to expensive repairs and home damage.

While the Water Department can’t unfreeze your pipes, it does have some easy tips to protect your plumbing, so take action now!

Six Tips to Prevent a Cold-Weather Nightmare

• Let faucets run at a trickle overnight during extremely cold weather. It costs only pennies, and the moving water will help prevent the pipes from freezing.

• Wrap and insulate all water pipes in unheated areas, such as your basement. Pay close attention to pipes near exterior walls, especially in kitches and bathrooms.

• Identify the location of the shutoff valves for your water supply, usually near the water meter. In emergencies, use the house-side service valve to shut off your water supply.

• Keep the water meter area above 40F. Freezing temperatures can break the meter. If it becomes damaged, homeowners are responsible for fixing it.

• Repair and replace broken exterior windows. Cover windows with plastic and caulk windows near water meters and pipes. When cold air blows on a pipe, it increases the risk of freezing.

• Disconnect garden hoses and shut off the outdoor water supply. Most outdoor faucets have a dedicated shutoff valve inside. Use that, and leave the outside faucet open to drain the pipe.

Learn more about how to prepare for extreme cold weather at the Philadelphia Water Department.