Tips To Protect Water Meters And Pipes From Freezing Up

Department of Environmental Protection Acting Commissioner, David B. Tweedy has issue an advisory for New York City home and business owners that in unusually cold weather it is important to protect pipes, water meters and service lines from freezing.

Commissioner Tweedy said, “Homeowners are responsible for protecting their meters, pipes or service lines from breaking in cold weather. If your service line or piping freezes and breaks, it is the homeowner’s responsibility to have repairs made by a licensed plumber. If the meter freezes and breaks because a homeowner has failed to take reasonable steps to protect it, DEP will repair or replace the meter and bill the homeowner for the cost.

Suggestions and tips to prevent freezing

• Eliminate drafts from basements, crawl spaces and other unheated areas. Temperatures are lower near floors and foundation walls;

• Turn off water to outside faucets, remove hoses, and drain pipes;

• If pipes or meters are located against an outside wall insulate the wall; if they are located in a cabinet, open cabinet door to allow warmer air to reach them.

• Install storm windows on basement windows and tightly close basement doors and windows;

• If you plan to be away for several days, ask someone to visit and turn on a faucet to ensure the water is still flowing.

If your service line, pipes or meters freeze:

• Open a hot-water faucet near the frozen point;

• Direct a hair dryer or heat lamp at the frozen section, or put a small space heater nearby;

• NEVER TRY TO THAW A FROZEN PIPE OR METER WITH AN OPEN FLAME.

If you are unable to thaw the frozen pipes, call a licensed plumber. If your meter is damaged or broken, call New York City Citizen Service line at 311 or a licensed plumber.

Reader Comments

No comments have been posted. Be the first!

Other Stories With Comments:
Article	Comments
Golden City: Bought, Burned, Bought Again	1