Protect your Pipes as Cold Blast Arrives

Following an unusually milder December, we’re starting off the new year with bitter cold temperatures. Just like you bundle up to survive the weather, it’s a good idea to protect your pipes from the chilly conditions. Louisville Water is on your side to help prepare for home.

When temperatures fall below freezing (32 degrees), it’s a good idea to take some precautions:

• Wrap exposed pipes with insulating material. You can purchase these materials from a hardware store.
• If your home has a crawl space, cover the outside vents to prevent winter winds from freezing the pipes.
• If your house has a slab foundation, close the garage door. Some pipes are located under concrete floors in the garage.

In cases of extreme cold weather, Louisville Water recommends allowing cold water to drip (about the size of a pencil point) from faucets near exterior facing walls or from faucets close to pipes that are prone to freezing. This small trickle keeps water flowing through the pipes which helps prevent them from freezing. Note: It’s important to keep the amount of running water limited to a small drip. Too much water can add up over time. With that said, paying a few extra dollars a month is nothing compared to the cost and headache of a busted pipe!

If you do have a water emergency, you should know how to turn off the water. In most homes, the main shutoff valve is located near the hot water heater or in the basement, a crawl space, utility closet, or garage. Once you find it, tag the valve with a waterproof hanger or ribbon. Louisville Water provides free tags for customers at its downtown office on Third Street. Simply ask a customer agent when you visit us.

One last tip: know your typical water usage. How many gallons of water does your household typically use? That’s helpful when you see an unexpected increase from one billing cycle to the next. We’ve made it easier to track your usage with Pure Connect℠.

Pure Connect shows your water consumption trends. You can also sign up for alerts in case of unusual activity, which could indicate a leak.