Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Authority
Frozen Faucet Be Smart, Winter Wise

A word to the Winter-Wise: the Insurance Information Network (IIN) reports that broken water pipes are the second costliest* cause of water damage—next to hurricanes. Protect your pipes (and your investments!) this winter by following The Frozen Five tips:

Freezing water equals expanding water, which spells trouble for your pipes. Just like that soda you tossed in the freezer for a quick chill and forgot, expanding liquids cause problems if neglected too long in confining containers. Interestingly, it is not strictly the ice that causes a break at the point where it forms in the pipe. Instead, water pressure builds behind the blockage, which is the ultimate cause of pipe failure.

The Water Authority designed these tips to help you prepare for freezing temperatures and other weather conditions associated with winter, and in an effort to reduce or prevent damage to your property caused by frozen pipes. Should a pipe burst on your property, it is important to get the water shut off as quickly as possible. Know the location of your emergency shut-off valve. If you need the Water Authority to perform an emergency shut-off, call 842-WATR (842-9287). Keep in mind that wait time can be long due to high call volume during very cold weather.

*According to the IIN, the average residential insurance claim from a burst pipe is $15,000!

 

Frozen Five List Header
  • One Insulate exposed pipes. Inexpensive pipe wrap, foam insulation and “heat tape” can be purchased at most hardware stores and home centers.
      • pipe wrapping
    • First, measure all pipes that are near exterior walls (remember to measure twice & cut once!)
    • Next, make sure all the pipes are clean of any foreign debris, oil, etc. that may interfere with successful application of the insulation – Wait for them to dry before proceeding!
    • While cleaning, locate any leaks and repair them
    • Cut insulation to fit the pipe section snugly. Install insulation according to the manufacturer's instructions and make sure the seams are sealed
    • CHECK ALL PIPES WITHIN 24 HOURS for signs that the seal is adequate (e.g. insulation that is warm to the touch is too thin, insulation that is “sweating” indicates an improper seal, etc.)
  • Two sprinklers Shut down and drain sprinkler systems. Disconnect garden hoses and put a faucet cover on any outdoor spigots. Much in the way that interior pipes can burst and cause extensive property damage, so can outdoor sprinklers if the proper steps aren’t taken to be Winter-Wise.
    • Begin by turning off the water to the system, and wrap or protect the shut-off valve
    • Turn off the power to the sprinkler system
    • Drain the water from the above-ground spigots; consider storing the sprinkler heads in-doors for the season
    • Use the insulation steps described above to insulate any above-ground or exposed pipes
  • Three open cabinet Open sink cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around pipes—especially if they’re on an outside wall. This helps warm air circulate around the pipes
    • Consider caulking cracks or other damage near exposed pipes, including in your tub and sinks to keep out the cold air
    • Remember that holes for cable or telephone access can also let in cold air
  • Four Don’t turn the heat all the way down when you’re away. Experts recommend maintaining a minimum indoor temperature of 55 degrees.
  • Five dripping fawcet Drip faucets during extreme cold snaps. The moving water is less likely to freeze, and will help reduce pressure build-up if a freeze does occur.
    • Be extra cautious when the outside temperature is 20 degrees or lower
    • Size, composition, and age can affect pipe vulnerability, so consider factoring that into your preparations as well