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HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2014-12-09 Winterization tips Town of Leesburg News Release For Immediate Release Leesburg Utilities Department Offers Winterization Tips To Prevent Frozen Pipes Leesburg, VA (December 9, 2014) – Although Virginia does not maintain below freezing temperatures throughout the winter season, there are spikes of freezing temperatures that occur that may cause damage to water pipes in your house. Remember, when water freezes, it expands. Freezing temperatures, even for a short period of time, may lead to broken water pipes. The Department of Utilities offers the following tips to prevent frozen house pipes this winter: • Be sure pipes in unheated parts of your home, including crawl spaces, are insulated. Foam insulation for water pipes can be found at any home improvement or hardware store. The foam is typically split down the middle so it can be easily wrapped around the exposed pipes. • Remove garden hoses from outside faucets and be sure the faucets are drained and shut off. • Advise all household members where the main shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency. • If you will be away from home for an extended time, shut off the water supply and drain the system. During an extended or extremely cold period, follow these recommendations: • Open the cabinets beneath any place with a water supply, such as the kitchen and bathroom sinks. This will allow warm air to circulate. (Move all cleaning supplies that could be accessible to children and pets.) • To prevent your pipes from freezing, keep a trickle of water running from the faucet highest in the house. This trickle should be a steady stream the size of the lead in a pencil. • If your pipes freeze, never thaw a pipe with an open flame or a space heater. A hair dryer can be used if there is no standing water in the area. If there is no water throughout your household and you have determined that it is not a frozen line within the home, your water meter may be frozen. Please contact Department of Utilities at 703-771-2750 (8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) or the after hours Police non-emergency number at 703-771-4500. By following these simple winterization tips, you may prevent broken water pipes and costly plumbing repairs. Contact: Amy Wyks, P.E. Director of Utilities awyks@leesburgva.gov 703-737-7119 # # #