Press Releases

Contact: Public Relations Department
Suffolk County Water Authority
PO Box 37
Oakdale NY 11769
(631) 563-0296

December 14, 2009
Prepare Your Home For The Winter

When pipes burst because they have frozen, it is not only inconvenient, it can lead to serious damage to the home and significant repair bills. The Suffolk County Water Authority wants to remind customers that by taking a few simple steps to winterize your home and pipes, you can avoid this problem during the winter months.

Winterization tips:
• Eliminate drafts by keeping basement windows closed and caulking around cracks where utilities enter the house. Seal cracks in the crawl space and other outside walls. DO NOT plug air vents used by your furnace or water heater.
• Insulate exposed pipes in unheated areas such as crawl spaces and attics. These can be wrapped with weatherproof insulation.
• Wrap exposed pipes with heat tape or thermostatically controlled heat cables. Be sure to use products approved by an independent testing organization such as Underwriter Laboratories Inc., and only for the use intended (interior and exterior). Closely follow all manufacturers’ installation and operation instructions.
• If you are away from your home for an extended period of time, set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees. Ask a friend or neighbor to check the house daily to make sure it’s warm enough to prevent freezing.
• During extremely cold situations open the kitchen cabinet doors to allow heat to get to un-insulated pipes under sinks and near the exterior walls.
• Under extreme conditions let a trickle of water run to prevent pipes from freezing.
• Disconnect garden hoses. Shut off and drain all outside faucets and lawn sprinkler systems.
• Everyone in the household should know where the master shutoff valve is located. It is normally where the water line enters the house (or near the water heater or washing machine). This valve turns off the water to the entire house.

If a pipe freezes (or If you have a frozen pipe):
• Shut the water off at the master shutoff valve. It is usually located where the water line enters the house (or near the water heater or washing machine).
• In the event of a complete freeze, the Suffolk Water Authority recommends homeowners contact their plumber.
• DO NOT under any circumstances use an open flame to thaw a frozen line. A hair dryer can be used. Start by warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible, working toward the coldest section of pipe. DO NOT heat only one spot on the pipe, as this can cause it to burst.
• Never use electrical appliances in areas of standing water because you could be electrocuted.