As record-setting subzero temps continue to grip the area, WaterOne is urging all customers to take preventive action over the next few nights. Temperatures in a deep freeze of 23°F and below can cause water in unprotected internal plumbing to freeze, and customers may wake up to discover no water coming from the tap. Internal plumbing issues inside the home or business are the responsibility of the homeowner or property owner to address, but a few simple steps can help prevent an unpleasant surprise.
- Keep cabinet doors open underneath sinks to allow warmer household air to circulate.
- Let a faucet trickle, preferably the farthest faucet away from where water enters the home or business.
Older homes have a high risk of frozen pipes due to uninsulated plumbing, although pipes can freeze inside newer homes as well. Once in a while, water meters or mains will freeze, but 9 out of 10 occurrences are determined to be the result of frozen plumbing within the building. As the most likely cause of cold weather-related water loss, customers can troubleshoot their water issues faster by first checking their internal plumbing for signs of a frozen pipe.
If customers have already checked their internal plumbing and haven't found signs of a frozen pipe or other issue, they are welcome to call WaterOne at 913/895-1800 to request a water meter check. A service technician will do a courtesy check of their outdoor water meter and contact the property owner with their findings. WaterOne is experiencing a higher volume of requests for this service due to the temperatures, and we appreciate our customers’ patience as staff works diligently to respond to all requests.
TIPS & TRICKS
- If you think a pipe has already frozen, safely thaw the pipe as soon as possible or call a plumber for help.
- To attempt to safely thaw it yourself, first turn off the main water shut-off valve coming in to the home or business. In most homes, it is located in the basement or lowest level on a foundation wall facing the front of the property. This step is important to prevent spraying water if your internal pipe should burst.
- Next, slowly apply heat, starting close to the faucet end of the pipe, with the faucet open. Work towards the coldest section - slower is better. A hair dryer trained at the frozen area of the pipe is an effective tool. A blow torch is not. Don't use electrical appliances while standing in water; you could get electrocuted.
For more information, visit waterone.org/NoFrozenPipes.