AMERICAN WATER WORKS COMPANY, INC.
January 5, 2015
Lisa Reisen
Manager, External Affairs
Lisa.Reisen@amwater.com
563-468-9221
Iowa American Water offers helpful tips to help you avoid the unwanted expense and frustration of a frozen water meter, service line or broken pipe
DAVENPORT, IA (January 5, 2015) With the bitterly cold temperatures we are experiencing, and a forecast that is predicting temperatures will drop even lower, Iowa American Water reminds customers to take a few minutes to safeguard their plumbing systems to prevent water damage from frozen and burst pipes and water meters in their homes. Acting now can prevent costly plumbing repairs and frozen water meter replacement fees that can cause headaches and unnecessary expense for homeowners.
"It is important for homeowners to understand that they are responsible for the service lines that run through their property," said Iowa American Water Director of Operations Mary Jane Midgett. "Last winter, we experienced extremely frigid temperatures causing a significant increase in the number of frozen pipe issues inside and outside of the home, resulting in costly plumbing repairs. We advise our customers to take preventative measures now that will help protect their pipes and water meter and ensure their continued service during extreme winter weather."
When temperatures are consistently at or below freezing:
If you have pipes that are vulnerable to freezing, allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. The cost of the extra water is low compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe. Discolored water or a water "slowdown" at the tap could indicate a freezing problem.
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. Be sure not to
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leave space heaters unattended, and avoid the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.
Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.
When you are away:
Shut off the main valve that controls all the water for your home.
Have a friend, relative or neighbor regularly check your property to ensure that the heat is working and the pipes have not frozen.
Set the thermostat at 55 degrees if you're going out of town. Although you may be able to get away with a lower temperature, this setting is considered to be safe for pipes.
Consider wrapping your water heater in an insulation blanket. While not really at danger for freezing, this can lower your heating bills.
Also, a freeze alarm can be purchased for less than $100 and will call a user- selected phone number if the inside temperature drops below 45 degrees.
It is important to make sure everyone in your home knows where the main water shut-off valve is and how to turn it off and on. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shutting the water off immediately may lessen the amount of damage and cost of repairs.
A frozen water meter can also lead to expensive home plumbing repairs and meter replacement charges as outlined in the table below.
Meter Size | Replacement Cost |
5/8" | $115 |
1" | $165 |
1-1/2" | $270 |
2" | $325 |
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water Works Company, Inc. (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 195,000 people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater
and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of
Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.iowaamwater.com.
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