From NORTHWESTERN WATER AND SEWER DISTRICT
When the temperatures drop, water pipes can freeze and burst, causing a water emergency. With extremely cold temperatures in the forecast, the Northwestern Water and Sewer District (The District) advises all homeowners to know how to protect plumbing from the extreme cold and what to do if waterlines freeze.
Prepare before it gets cold:
- Locate and tag the water shutoff valve. The shut-off valve is usually in the lower level of the home, close to where the water line enters the house as a connection point. Everyone in the house should know how to turn it off in case of an emergency.
- Turn off the water to outside faucets, remove hoses, and drain the pipes.
- Cover any open vents inside the home with insulation, plastic, or cardboard.
- Open cabinet doors on colder nights to let the warm air reach the pipes.
- Keep the temperature where water meters and interior pipes are located at least 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let the kitchen or bathroom faucets drip slowly on very cold nights to prevent the water from freezing.
- Be ready: Store water for your household in advance. The rule of thumb is to store one-to-two gallons per person, per day, for at least three days. Don’t forget to store water for pets.
Remember: Pipe insulation only works if the home is heated. People can find the materials they need to insulate their pipes at their local hardware or plumbing store.
What to do if a pipe freezes:
- Shut off the water right away. Don’t try to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is off. The pipes or joints might have cracks that are not visible.
- Open the cold and/or hot water faucet nearest to the frozen pipe. This will lower the pressure and reduce the risk of breakage.
- Contact a registered plumber. The lines in the home are the homeowner’s responsibility to take care of and maintain.
If leaving for a short time:
- Ask a trustworthy neighbor to check the property every day.
- Sign up for leak alerts on Aqua Hawk, a free service for District customers that can alert people when their water use spikes and allows people to monitor their water use online.
The District also wants to remind customers that the office is closed today, Jan. 19, in observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Because the District operates 27/7/365, there will be extra staff on call for emergencies. For after-hours water or sewer emergencies, contact the county sheriff’s department to send one of the District’s team members.
- Wood County: 419-354-9001, select option #9
- McComb: 419-422-2424
- Henry County: 419-592-8010
