More than one Google Analytics scripts are registered. Please verify your pages and templates.

Water Blog

Avoid Frozen Water Pipes

Don’t let the cold temperatures of winter burst your pipes. By following these simple tips, you’ll not only save yourself the trouble of broken pipes and gushing water, but you’ll also save yourself a lot of money in repair fees.

  • Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas. Pipelines in an unheated garage or cold crawl space under the house can freeze; wrap the water pipes before temperatures plummet. Hardware or building supply stores have pipe wrapping materials available. 
  • Seal off access doors, air vents, and cracks. Repair broken windows to keep the cold winter winds outside where they belong. 
  • A photo of a master valve.Find the master shutoff. The master valve may be near the water heater or washing machine. Make sure everyone in your household knows where it is in case a pipe bursts. Acting fast can prevent flooding and thousands of dollars in repairs.  
  • Are you worried about pipe freeze? Run a minimal amount of water in a kitchen sink, on nights when the weather forecast calls less than 20 degrees. 
  • Run a load of laundry during the coldest part of the night. Some models have a timer to schedule run times. 
  • Some automatic dishwashers have settings to schedule loads.  Consider waiting to wash dishes until late into the night. 
  •  A small and steady stream of water will be enough to keep your pipes from freezing, and you can even collect the water in a bucket to water houseplants.
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses. You should have all outdoor water connections, including irrigation systems, properly shut off during the winter. A single overnight freeze can burst faucets and pipes, so it’s important to disconnect the hose and let the water drain.

It’s too late – my pipes already froze! What do I do now?

  • FreezeFirst, call your plumber!
  • Second, locate your master shutoff valve. This knowledge will come in handy if things take a turn for the worst.
  • Third (for those DIY-ers out there) don’t try and melt the water by using fire, as heating one spot of the pipe can cause it to burst. Instead, use a hairdryer on low to distribute the heat evenly across the pipe.
    • If you don’t have a hairdryer, then you can wrap the frozen section in rags and gently pour hot water across it. The rags help to distribute the heat from the water evenly. 

Contact Us

Greeley Water and Sewer

1001 11th Ave, 2nd Floor
Greeley, CO 80631

Monday - Friday 8am - 5pm

970-350-9811 tel
970-350-9805 fax
water@greeleygov.com

Water Conservation

970-336-4134
970-336-4168 for Water Budget
conserve@greeleygov.com

Emergencies

Water 7am-3pm 970-350-9320
Sewer 7am-3pm 970-350-9322
after hours970-616-6260

Other Numbers

billing970-350-9811 (dial 2 for billing clerk)
start or stop service970-350-9811 (dial 2 for billing clerk)
water taste or odor970-350-9836
water pressure970-350-9320
water restrictions & violations970-336-4134
utility line locates811
More than one Google Analytics scripts are registered. Please verify your pages and templates.