DC Water prepares for extreme cold impacts on water lines, urges customers to protect pipes from freezing
Authority activates Winter Weather Plan ahead of deep freeze and heavy snow
As the region braces for some of the coldest temperatures in years over the next few days, DC Water is monitoring conditions, mobilizing equipment, and preparing repair crews to respond to service disruptions.
Large fluctuations in temperatures and extreme cold over a prolonged period can make water mains more susceptible to breaking and pipes in homes to freeze.
As part of DC Water’s Winter Weather Plan, we are coordinating with District and regional partners, monitoring the system and prioritizing repairs for leaks, readying vehicles and equipment needed for snow and ice removal, and ensuring we have the staffing needed for emergency repairs.
For homeowners and residents, days of sub-freezing temperatures may cause standing water inside pipes to freeze and expand causing pipes to break. To protect your home, customers are encouraged to take steps to prevent water from freezing in pipes and plumbing.
Pipes most at risk are those exposed to the outside or in unheated interior areas such as kitchen cabinets, attics, garages, basements and crawl spaces. Some steps to prevent home water lines from freezing include:
- Close valves to outdoor faucets
- Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and leave outdoor faucets open to allow any excess water to drip out
- In extreme temperatures let cold water drip from indoor faucets connected to exposed pipes
If your pipes freeze, do not attempt to thaw them with an open flame of any kind. Instead, open faucets so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. Gradually warm pipes and be careful not to use devices that will cause melted ice to boil as it could cause the pipes to break.
More tips to Protect Your Pipes from the Cold can be found at DCWater.com.
For an emergency inside your home, customers should contact a licensed plumber.
If conditions become severe, DC Water may close its offices, however, the Authority’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 202-612-3400 will remain available for customers reporting a water emergency on public property.
