With Winter Storm Fern set to affect 180 million Americans this weekend, Aqua Pennsylvania is urging customers to take immediate steps to prevent frozen pipes, which can result in costly repairs and leave families without running water during the coldest days of the year.
Pipes become especially vulnerable when temperatures stay below freezing for extended periods of time.
Tips to Prepare Before the Freeze:
- Stock Up on Supplies: Keep pipe insulation, heat tape, a portable space heater, and a hair dryer on hand.
- Locate and Mark Your Master Water Valve: This will allow you to quickly shut off water to your home if a pipe bursts.
- Inspect Outdoor Meter Pits: Ensure lids are intact to prevent freezing in these areas.
- Winterize Outdoor Faucets: Shut off and drain outdoor faucets, including those connected to lawn sprinkling systems.
- Eliminate Drafts in Unheated Areas: Insulate crawl spaces and basements, repair broken windows, and seal gaps to protect pipes.
Precautions During Freezing Weather:
- Wrap Pipes and Meters: Use insulation materials or heat tape on your pipes, and wrap indoor meters with a blanket.
- Keep Cabinets Open: If you have interior plumbing along an exterior wall, leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes.
- Leave a very thin stream of water running constantly from at least one tap. We recommend using the tap farthest from the meter. The additional expense in your water bill will be minimal compared to the cost to replace a ruptured pipe.
What to Do if Pipes Freeze:
- Thaw Safely: If you locate a frozen section of pipe, open a spigot and use a hair dryer or heat tape to thaw it gradually. Never use an open flame.
- Call a Professional: If you cannot thaw the pipe, contact a licensed plumber for assistance.
These preventative measures can help you avoid expensive cleanups and repairs.
Aqua invests hundreds of millions of dollars each year to strengthen water and wastewater infrastructure so systems remain dependable — especially during extreme weather that can stress aging pipes and equipment. These ongoing upgrades help ensure reliable service for customers year-round. For more information on pipe protection, visit Aqua.
Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service, and natural gas providers in the U.S. Aqua Pennsylvania serves approximately 1.5 million people in 33 counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
