As November comes to a close, the City of Raleigh is still enjoying a few more days soaking in the sunshine and the crunch of crispy fall leaves. While many of us aren’t thinking about bundling up in a parka, let alone scrapping snow and ice off our cars – this is still a great time to remember your home’s pipes could use some maintenance before the temperatures drop.
You may already be familiar with most of this, but here’s a quick, friendly refresher to help you get your home ready for colder weather—and to steer clear of those costly frozen or burst pipes. Let’s dive right in with a simple checklist!
• Check and Double Check: Water freezes at 32°F, and when it does, it expands, which can lead to bursts in your pipes. Keep an eye on the forecast and check your pipes regularly when temperatures are expected to dip.
• Preparation is Key: Wrap exposed pipes, faucets, and water meters with insulated materials, especially in areas that get particularly cold. If you’re feeling chilly, chances are your pipes are, too!
• Stop Cold Air: A few simple steps can make a big difference—keep your garage door closed, cover outside vents, and disconnect garden hoses to prevent cold air from getting to your pipes.
• Let it Run: If you have exposed pipes or know your pipes are prone to freezing, let a small stream of cold water run from the faucet during freezing temperatures. This can help prevent freezing and avoid pressure inside the pipes.
• Circulate Air: Open cabinet doors under sinks to let warm air circulate around the pipes. This is especially important if the pipes are located in areas like exterior walls.
With a little prep now, you can avoid the hassle of dealing with frozen pipes later and enjoy a safe holiday season.
City of Raleigh Winter Weather Preparedness
While no one likes to consider extreme winter conditions – the City is prepared and wants you to feel secure as well, with information on extreme cold and winter weather. If you’ve seen more Raleigh Water crews out and about, October kicked off “main break season,” we know it impacts both our water system and community and our crews are working hard to keep the City safe and the water moving. Lastly, as a Raleigh Water customer you also have some responsibility in maintaining the pipes. Don’t worry we made it easy to understand: Know your Pipes.
Don’t let the cold weather catch you by surprise! Stay aware and prepare for this holiday season.
