Baltimore DPW: Protect Your Pipes!

BALTIMORE (WJZ)--The Baltimore Department of Public Works is sharing a few tips to protect your pipes and utility meter with expected freezing temperatures.

• Let a thin stream of cold water run from a basement faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow, about the thickness of a pencil lead. This water can be caught in a bucket and used later.

• If your interior pipe is frozen, warm it with hot air from a blow dryer where it enters your house.

• Know the location of the water shutoff valve in your home. Check it periodically to ensure it works properly.

• Shut off water to outside faucets.

• Monitor your sump pump. A frozen drain pipe could result in a flooded basement.

• Insulate pipes in unheated parts of your house. Be alert if you have had frozen pipes in the past.

• Keep bottled water on hand.

• Consider getting a service protection policy for your exterior water/sewer lines. Baltimore has partnered with HomeServe USA to provide this low cost protection. Please visit BaltimoreServiceRepairs.com for details.

Information provided by the Baltimore Department of Public Works.