Prepare for Possible Freezing Weather

When temperatures are consistently at or below freezing:

• If you have pipes that are vulnerable to freezing, turn water off at the source and empty the pipes of residual water.
• Purchase the $5-$10 outdoor faucet covers at your local store to place on any outside faucets once you have disconnected the hoses.
• Know where the shut-off valve to you home is located. If you have a leak shut off the water, in the case of an emergency you may use the DWSC shut off valve in the meter box, this is for EMERGENCY USE only and should not be used on a regular basis. 
• Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing.

If your pipes freeze:

• Shut off the water immediately. Don't attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.
  
  
• Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to a pipe. You can use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Avoid the use of kerosene heaters and open flames, and do not leave space heaters unattended.
  
  
• Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.