HomeMy Public PortalAboutTOL PR 2016-11-08 Prevent Frozen Water Lines
Town of Leesburg
News Release
For Immediate Release
November 8, 2016
Media Contact:
Betsy Arnett, Public Information Officer
barnett@leesburgva.gov 703-771-2734
Don’t Wait Until the Temperature Drops to Prepare Your
Home for Winter
Take steps now to prevent frozen water pipes later.
Leesburg, VA – Despite the balmy weather this past weekend, colder temperatures are on their
way. Now is the perfect time to get your home ready for winter. When planning for freezing
temperatures, don’t forget about your plumbing system .
When the water inside your pipes freezes, it expands, but the pipes don’t, they break instead.
When the ice melts, the break in your pipe remains and you have a water leak. In addition to
the cost and hassle of repairing the broken pipe, you may have other water damage in your
home. Freezing temperatures, even for a short period of time, can lead to broken water pipes.
Although the Leesburg area does not experience sustained below-freezing temperatures
throughout winter, we do get occasional dips into temperatures that can cause damage to
water pipes.
Most winter plumbing problems can be prevented with a little effort in advance. The Leesburg
Department of Utilities suggests that you take the following steps now to avoid costly broken
pipes this winter:
Locate your water main in the event you need to shut it off in an emergency.
Always keep your thermostat at a minimum of 55 degrees or above.
If you will be away from home for an extended time, shut off the water supply and drain
the system.
Turn off the water to outdoor spigots and drain the spigots. Each spigots should have a
shutoff valve, usually located inside.
Install insulated spigot covers. For a permanent solution, consider replacing outdoor
faucets with freeze proof versions.
Drain and store garden hoses.
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