Frozen Meter Information & FAQ's
How can pipes/meters freeze?
When below-freezing temperatures are sustained over a few days, water pipes and meters that are close to cold air may freeze. This can stop water service and may be expensive to repair or replace. Property owners are responsible for protecting pipes and the meter from damage.
How to prevent frozen meters/pipes
It is an expense that can be avoided by taking a few simple precautions. If you are going away for the winter, turn off the water from inside your house and drain the pipes from all faucets; it is also a good idea to turn off the line to your washing machine.
Do you charge for damaged meters?
The cost to replace a frozen/damaged meter 1" or less is $150; meters over 1" are billed at time and materials basis + the cost of the meter.
Tips for preventing a frozen meter
Eliminate Cold Drafts Near Water Pipes:
- Tightly close doors and windows.
- Install storm windows on basement windows.
- Eliminate drafts from crawl spaces.
- Fill cracks in walls and around windows.
- Turn off water to garden hose connections at an inside valve & drain before freezing temperatures set in or use a frost free valve.
Provide Warmth to the Water Pipes
- Wrap pipes in insulation or heat tape according to the manufacturer's directions.
- If your kitchen or bathroom sink is located against an outside wall, insulate the wall.
- Open the door to the room where the pipes are located to allow warmth to circulate.
- Place a lighted bulb near water pipes. Never use open flames.
- Open the cabinet door below the sink to allow warm air to reach the pipes.
Use Your Water Supply Frequently
- When outside temperatures remain below freezing, it’s less expensive to run your faucet regularly than for you to repair a frozen or burst pipe.
Be Prepared
- Take precautions early.
- Have your furnace regularly serviced.
- Insulate drafty areas.
- Inspect your plumbing.
- Be familiar with your plumbing system and know where your inside shutoff valve is located and verify that it is working properly.
- Make sure you have the name and telephone number of your plumber handy.
