Home Winter Weather Tips

Home Winter Weather Tips

For more information contact Jon Callahan, Public Affairs Specialist, City of Bloomington Utilities at (812) 349-3940

THINGS TO DO BEFORE A FREEZE

1. Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of your home.
2. Remove garden hoses from outside faucets. Insulate the faucet with Styrofoam cover, rags or paper.
3. Cover vents around the foundation of your home.
4. Know where your property's water cut-off valve is located and know how to use it.

THINGS TO DO IN TIMES OF SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES

1. Allow water to drip slowly from inside faucets during a freeze.
2. Open cabinet doors under sinks to expose pipes running along outside walls.
3. Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

IF YOU'RE NOT GOING TO BE HOME FOR ANY LENGTH OF TIME DURING TIMES OF SUB-FREEZING TEMPERATURES

1. Set the temperature of your home heating system no lower than 55 degrees to prevent pipes from bursting.

WHAT YOU SHOULD DO IF YOU ENCOUNTER A FROZEN PIPE

1. Most often, frozen pipes are those running against exterior walls or where the water enters through the foundation.
2. Apply heat to the affected area using an electric hair dryer or portable space heater. Other options include wrapping an electric heating pad or towels soaked in hot water around the pipe(s).
3. Keep the faucet open, running water through the pipe will help melt the ice.

THINGS YOU SHOULD NEVER DO IF YOUR PIPES ARE FROZEN.

1. Never use an open flame to thaw your pipes. Open flame torches are the most common cause of pipe thawing related home fires.

WHAT TO DO IF A FROZEN PIPE BURSTS

1. Locate the house shut-off valve and turn it off. Usually the shut-off valve is located on your water service pipeline immediately after it enters the basement wall. You should then contact a plumber for repairs.