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City of Tumwater Public Works
Operations and Maintenance Division

Seasonal Tips

When summer is coming to a close it means that winter is just around the corner. We have put together some information that can help you prepare for winter.

What are some common reasons for frozen pipes?

How do I know if my pipes are frozen?

Why do frozen water pipes break?

Do only pipes inside the house freeze?

What is a water service?

Where are my shutoff valves?

What part of my service is my property and my responsibility?

Should I maintain my main shutoff valve?

What if my main valve does not work in an emergency?

What should I do if my pipes freeze?

How can I prevent my pipes from freezing?

What are some common reasons for frozen pipes?

Water pipes will usually be more susceptible to freezing when the outdoor air temperature is below freezing for more than a few days. Special attention should be given when the outdoor air temperature does not rise above zero degrees during the daytime hours. Some reasons include:

  1. Unheated basement where the water meter and pipes are located.
  2. Uninsulated pipes which are against outside walls.
  3. Open windows near water meter or pipes.
  4. Openings or cracks which allow cold outside air near the water meter or pipes.
  5. Water meter or pipes enclosed or boxed in against outside wall.

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How do I know if my pipes are frozen?

Generally, when a pipe which feeds a certain fixture such as a shower, sink or toilet freezes, you will no longer be able to get water through that fixture. This would be the case if the pipe is frozen solid.
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Why do frozen water pipes break?

When water freezes within a pipe, the volume of the water expands. That is, the same amount of water takes up more space as a solid than as a liquid. This causes the pipes to expand and possibly break at a weak point. This may not be noticed immediately, however. The pipes may thaw from the inside out with the pipe actually breaking only when the full water pressure is restored.
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Do only pipes inside the house freeze?

No. Not only is your inside plumbing susceptible to freezing, but your water service could also be subject to freezing. This is caused by frost in the ground encasing your service in ice, thereby freezing your service. This is especially typical of shallow (less than three feet deep) services.
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What is a water service?

A water service is a pipe which begins with a connection to the water main in the City right-of-way. This pipe was designed solely for the purpose of delivering fresh water to your home plumbing fixtures (i.e. sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) This line has valves on it to allow your water to be turned on or off.
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Where are my shutoff valves?

There are actually two major shutoff valves in line with your service. The first valve, called a corporation stop, is generally located at the water main and is buried under the street. The other major valve is located next to the water meter. Other valves may be near plumbing appliances such as sinks and toilets.
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What part of my service is my property and my responsibility?

The resident's responsibility for maintenance begins immediately after the meter box, and from there, up through the entire home. However, the water meter itself is the property of the City. More importantly, the valve adjacent to the meter is the responsibility of the resident.
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Should I maintain my main shutoff valve?

Keeping your main valve in good working condition will assure you that you will be able to turn your water off in the event of an emergency, in case one of your water pipes break, for example. Older style gate valves should be turned periodically due to possible corrosion build-up. Newer Teflon coated ball valves should stay in working order without any regular turning.
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What if my main valve does not work in an emergency?

Calls should be directed to the Public Works Department, so that someone can shut off your water at the meter. If the request is during normal working hours, there is no extra or emergency charge.
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What should I do if my pipes freeze?

If your pipes freeze, there are some procedures that you can follow to thaw them. The quicker that the problem is recognized, the better chance that damage will be minimized. Some techniques for thawing frozen pipes include:

  1. If possible, expose a boxed-in area to the inside heat. An example includes opening some ceiling tiles if your home has a drop ceiling.
  2. Use a heat gun. However, be extremely careful as the heat from the heat gun will ignite any wood or paper they contact.
  3. DO NOT use torches to thaw pipes!
  4. Rubbing the pipes with warm damp rags may slowly thaw the line.
  5. If you do not have water for an extended period of time then turn off the gas to your hot water heater.

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How can I prevent my pipes from freezing?

There are many ways to help prevent your water pipes from freezing in extreme weather. Some suggestions include:

  1. Keep the pipes exposed to outside walls heated.
  2. Provide ventilation to pipes allowing warmer air to circulate around them.
  3. Insulate your pipes.
  4. Caulk and seal any openings near your water pipes.
  5. Keep some tap water running. (Moving water is more difficult to freeze, however, this will affect your bill.)
  6. In severe cases, it is best to turn your main valve off and drain your system by turning your faucets on. This way, there will be no water in your pipes to freeze. Even if your pipes have not frozen in the past, severe cold can cause electricity blackouts and thereby disable your furnace. Your home can then become closer to the outdoor temperature very quickly. Draining your system will assure that your pipes do not freeze. This is normally done if no one will be home for an extended period in extreme weather.

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Contacts:

Engineering and Administration: 754-4140
Operations and Maintenance: 754-4150
After Hours/Emergency: 754-4150

City of Tumwater Public Works Department - Operations Department


Updated: 03/04/08