Tips to prevent freezing pipes

Now that freezing temperatures have arrived, the Leesburg Department of Utilities would like to remind everyone to drain and protect outdoor water connections.

• Be sure pipes in unheated parts of your home, including crawl spaces, are insulated.
• Remove hoses from outside faucets and be sure they are drained and shut off.
• Advise all household members where the main shut-off valve is located in case of an emergency.
• If you will be away from home for an extended time, shut off the water supply and drain the system. Keep thermostat set at 55 degrees.

During extended periods of below-freezing temperatures:

• Open doors to any cabinets with water supply lines, such as under kitchen and bathroom sinks, to allow warm air to circulate.
• Keep a trickle of water running from the faucet highest in the house. This trickle should be a steady stream the size of the lead in a pencil.
• If your pipes freeze, never thaw a pipe with an open flame or a space heater. A hair dryer can be used if there is no standing water in the area.  

If there is no water throughout your house and you have determined that it is not a frozen line within the home, your water meter may be frozen. Contact Leesburg Department of Utilities at 703-771-2750, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m., or the Leesburg Police Department non-emergency number at 703-771-4500 outside of regular business hours for assistance.