Last month, when temperatures dipped to below freezing, Toho Water Authority (Toho) reminded customers to take precautions to prevent water pipes from freezing.
When temperatures reach levels of 32 degrees Fahrenheit, which is the temperature where water freezes, or dips even lower, pipes have the potential to freeze and break.
Even tiny cracks can release hundreds of gallons of water a day, which may cause your bill to increase dramatically and even could cause flooding and structural damage to a home.
Follow some of these recommended tips prior to the onset of freezing weather:
- Cover outdoor water valves and spigots when temperatures dip below 32 degrees. A fitted plastic cover can be found at most hardware and home improvement stores, but tape and cardboard wrapped around the spigot can be just as effective.
- Wrap any exposed water pipes to insulate them against freezing and help to prevent water waste by keeping the water in the pipes warmer.
- Invest in a water heater blanket, available at most hardware and home improvement stores. This can also save water and help cut water and heating bills.
- Turn off your irrigation system at the main control and open each valve until the entire system drains of water. After the system is drained, close each valve and leave the system shut off until you’re ready to use.
- Open cabinet doors when temperatures dip below 32 degrees to expose pipes to heat.
- Drip the faucet overnight in order to prevent freezing. Please capture this water and use beneficially in other ways such as watering plants.
- If you notice your pipes are frozen, shut off the water at your main shut off valve and allow the pipes to thaw. Once thawed, have a licensed plumber come out to assess the damage and make repairs.
- Shut off your main water valve and turn on a faucet to allow all the water in the pipes to drain out if you are leaving the home for an extended period of time.
Freezing temperatures are infrequent, but can occur throughout the winter months in Florida. So, as you bring out the thicker winter clothing and cover outdoor plants, remember to prepare your home’s water pipes for the freezing temperatures, too. Toho also posts freeze advisories to its website tohowater.com.
Worried that some of these measures will increase your bill? Toho strives to provide customers with some of the lowest rates in Central Florida. The inside and outside water consumption of a home is measured in gallons and billed per thousand gallons used on a monthly basis. For rate specifics go online to: tohowater.com/water-rates.
