With single digit temperatures in the forecast for this weekend and into next week, OCWA—Central New York’s Water Authority— reminds customers to check your water service for exposure to cold weather elements.
You can help prevent your water service and home plumbing fixtures from freezing by following these simple tips:
  • Keep garage doors closed if water supply lines are in the garage.
  • Check your basement to ensure that outside air is not blowing in on pipes via open or broken windows or other openings.
  • Let cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
  • Going away for the weekend? It’s a good idea to leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F, to prevent pipes from freezing or bursting.
  • Consider opening cabinets near fixtures running along the outside wall in kitchens and/or bathrooms to allow warm air from the rest of the house to circulate, but be mindful to move any harmful cleaners or chemicals up out of the reach of children.
Also, please watch out for:
  • Windows that may be open near water meters
  • Heat tape around water service that may not be working
  • Wind and draft blocking insulation that is not installed correctly
We hope these help! For more information, please visit ocwa.org.