The North Brunswick Sanitary District was originally created with the purpose of providing treated water to preserve and promote the public health to the citizens in the Leland area.

PROTECTING WATER PIPES FROM FREEZING

 

PROTECTING WATER PIPES FROM FREEZING Let one or more cold water faucets drip slowly to keep water moving and reduce the potential for freezing. A slow drip from a faucet is better than major water loss and property damage from frozen (burst) pipes.

If you have water pipes or hoses in unheated areas (such as a crawlspace, attic, basement, utility room/shed or outdoors), insulating the pipes is prudent, especially if they are cold water pipes. For example, pipes that hold water for a sprinkler fire protection system may need to be insulated if they are in an unheated attic.

Pipes in an unheated area can be protected by wrapping them with electrical heating tape (available at supply stores). However, heating tape should be installed first if pipes are insulated.

If you have pipes inside or close to an exterior wall (such as pipes that supply water to a sink), you can help keep the pipes warm by opening the cabinet if there is one under the sink.

Remove and drain hoses from outdoor spigots. If there is a cut off valve specifically for an outdoor spigot, turn the valve to the off position, open the spigot and drain any water remaining in the spigot and pipe “downstream” of the shut-off valve.

If you have water pipes in an unheated area such as a shed or garage and there is a shut-off valve for those pipes, turn off the valve and drain the water from the pipes by opening the faucet/spigot.

Identify and mark the location of shut-off valves in your plumbing system so you can turn off the water before and during a repair if water freezes in a pipe and the pipe then bursts.

For more information on shut-off valves, please see Shut-off valves can save water, time and dollars on the Maintenance page of our Customer Care website section.

If your house or business has an unheated basement or crawlspace including water pipes, you may close some of the foundation vents to help keep out cold air. HOWEVER, IF THE BASEMENT OR CRAWLSPACE HAS A FURNACE THAT USES NATURAL GAS OR HEATING OIL, AND/OR A WATER HEATER THAT USES NATURAL GAS, PLEASE CHECK WITH THE COMPANY THAT INSTALLED OR MAINTAINS THEM