DPW Cold Weather Tips Reminder: PROTECT YOUR PIPES DURING COLD WEATHER

Thursday Jan 8th, 2015

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BALTIMORE, MD (January 8, 2015) – Baltimore weather has turned bitterly cold, and Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., reminds customers of the threat to water infrastructure due to extended cold and repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

Water service lines and water meters can freeze when the temperature remains below 25 degrees for extended periods of time. Such conditions can also impact water mains, causing the ground to buckle and shift, resulting in broken water lines.

Here are a few tips to help protect your water service lines during periods of cold weather:

  • Insulate pipes located in unheated parts of your house. This is especially a good tip for those who have had frozen pipes in the past.
  • Let a thin stream of cold water run from a basement faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow, about the thickness of pencil lead. This water can be caught in a bucket and used later as laundry or dish water.
  • If a pipe should freeze, gently warm it with hot air from a blow dryer at the point where it enters the house.
  • Be sure you know the location of the water shutoff valve in your home. Check it periodically to ensure that it works properly.
  • Be sure to shut off water to outside faucets.
  • Periodically monitor your sump pump. A frozen drain pipe could result in a flooded basement.
  • Keep bottled water on hand. Plan on needing a gallon of water per person per day.

    • The Department of Public Works maintains outdoor water lines up to and including the meter. For water emergencies call 311, or 410-396-5352 in Baltimore County.

    Water lines running from the meter to the house, as well as internal plumbing, are the responsibility of the property owner. Check with your homeowners insurance carrier to see if your interior pipes are covered in the event they freeze and rupture.

    Consider buying a protection plan, such as that offered by HomeServe, for your exterior pipes. For more information visit BaltimoreServiceRepairs.com or call 855-807-6631.

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    James E. Bentley II
    410-545-6541    		 Jennifer Combs
    410-545-6541
    After hours, weekends, or holidays please call 410-396-3100 for the duty officer

    The Baltimore City Department of Public Works supports the health, environment, and economy of our City and region by cleaning our neighborhoods and waterways and providing its customers with safe drinking water and sustainable energy practices.