Frozen Water Meters Information

Cold weather, and icy temperatures can cause frozen water pipes and water meters, possibly causing damage to your home.

Moonachie offers the following information on how to prevent frozen pipes and what to do if pipes become frozen.

BE PREPARED:

Be sure all family members know how to shut off the water into your home. This is usually at the water meter. The water meter is a pear-shaped, bronze-colored, metal device located on the water line into the home. There is a valve on either side of the meter that can be used to shut off water. Be sure the shut-off valves are accessible and easy to operate, so that water can be turned off quickly in case of an emergency.

PREVENTION:

• Seal off any cracks that admit drafts to the basement, garage or crawl space containing water pipes or your water meter.
• Keep all doors and windows tightly shut at all times and make adequate heating available to these areas.
• Insulate all exposed water pipes, using pipe insulation or even several layers of newspaper.
• Protect your water meter from drafts by insulating it.

WHAT TO DO IF YOUR PIPES BECOME FROZEN: IF THERE IS NO WATER ANYWHERE IN YOUR HOUSE check for the following: ·Frozen Meter -Run your hands over the meter and see if it feels exceptionally cold or shows signs of leakage or damage.