Louisville’s average first freeze arrives around November 1, according to the National Weather Service. That leaves about a week to handle the jobs that prevent one of the most expensive winter repairs there is: a burst pipe.
— Will Barton
The problem is usually inside the house
During one past cold snap, Louisville Water fielded a wave of “no water” calls. It turned out that 99% of them were frozen plumbing inside the customer’s home, not a problem with the utility’s lines. Louisville Water doesn’t repair private plumbing, so protecting your pipes is up to you.
Do these before the first freeze
Disconnect garden hoses and turn off the water supply to outdoor faucets.
Wrap exposed pipes with insulation from the hardware store, especially in unheated basements, crawl spaces, and garages.
If your home has a crawl space, cover the outside vents to keep winter wind off the pipes.
Seal cracks and holes in outside walls and foundations near pipes.
If you use electric heat tape, follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. Used wrong, it can be a fire hazard.
Find your main shutoff valve now
If a pipe bursts, the fastest way to limit the damage is to shut off the water to the whole house. Louisville Water says the main shutoff is often in the basement, near the water heater, in a utility closet, under the kitchen sink, or in the crawl space.
Find it and turn it off, then open a faucet to confirm the water stops. Then tag it so everyone in the house can find it in a hurry. Louisville Water gives out free waterproof valve tags at its downtown office at 550 South Third Street. If you can’t find a shutoff valve, call a plumber. In an emergency when you can’t reach the valve, Louisville Water can turn off your service.
During a hard cold snap
Let a cold-water faucet run a small, steady stream, about the width of a pencil, in areas with exposed pipes or a history of freezing.
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors so warm air can reach the pipes.
Keep the garage door closed.
If a pipe freezes anyway
Shut off the water at the main valve right away.
Don't try to thaw the pipe until the water is off. Freezing can cause cracks you can't see.
Warm the air around the pipe, or apply gentle heat to the pipe itself. Never use an open flame.
Once it thaws, turn the water back on slowly and check for leaks.
Your checklist this week
Disconnect hoses and shut off outdoor faucets.
Insulate exposed pipes in the basement, crawl space, and garage.
Find, test, and tag your main shutoff valve.
Cover crawl space vents.
Next week: what to check before you hire a contractor.
— Will Barton
Sources
National Weather Service Louisville, frost and freeze information: https://www.weather.gov/lmk/louisville_freeze_info
Louisville Water, Winter on the Horizon: Protect Your Pipes: https://louisvillewater.com/?p=12854
Louisville Water, Cold Weather Tips: https://louisvillewater.com/news/cold-weather-tips-2/
Louisville Water, preventive measures during bitter cold: https://louisvillewater.com/news/louisville-water-encourages-preventive-measures-as-bitter-cold-lingers/
WDRB, what to do if your pipes freeze: https://www.wdrb.com/community/preventing-frozen-pipes-as-temperatures-plunge-in-kentucky-and-indiana/article_70197213-bb8c-4d2c-baba-b81fbf16d904.html
WDRB, sealing cracks and using heat tape safely: https://www.wdrb.com/news/local-water-company-shares-tips-to-prevent-frozen-pipes-ahead-of-winter-weather/article_9dfa0468-6e62-11ec-bffc-1feeec9ea2bf.html