Frequently Asked Questions

Your pipes are at risk of freezing any time temperatures drop below 32°F or 0°C.  You can prevent burst water pipes and costly repairs in your home by following these tips:

• Insulate pipes in unheated areas of your home and crawl spaces.
• Seal any gaps and cracks in your home’s exterior (such as crawl spaces) to prevent cold drafts from reaching your pipes.
• Disconnect water hoses from outdoor spigots. 
• Open doors to cabinets below sinks to help warmer air circulate around plumbing at night. It is also recommended to let a small amount of water drip from faucets to help keep water moving in the pipes to prevent freezing or to help during the thawing process to relieve stress on the pipes. 
• Towels soaked in warm water can be used to help the thawing process of any frozen spots. Use caution as to not create other slip or trip hazards and damage to the home.
• Always be aware of the main water shut-off valve location for your home in case you should experience a burst pipe and need to turn off your water. 
• If you do not know the location of your main water shut-off valve or do not have a shut-off valve, keep the Brunswick County Public Utilities numbers (or your local water provider) close by in case the water needs to be turned off at the meter due to a burst pipe.

If your water lines do freeze, please be careful when thawing the lines.

• Do not apply excessive heat which may damage pipes or cause a fire.
• Avoid using heating devices with open flames.
• Electric heaters and heat tape should be powered through a Ground Fault Circuit Interrupter (GFCI) in case the device comes into contact with standing or spraying water.

Contact Brunswick County Public Utilities (or your local water provider) if you need assistance.

If you have backflow devices and irrigations systems, you can protect them from freezing and prevent costly repairs by following these tips:

• Turn off irrigation systems to avoid creating icy sidewalks and driveways. If you must irrigate your lawn, it is best to do so when temperatures are above freezing.
• Exposed backflow assemblies for irrigation systems should be drained and removed.  
• Inspect the backflow assembly covers for cracks, holes, and splits. Make sure that the cover fits securely to the ground to prevent air infiltration.   
• If you do not or cannot remove the backflow assembly, drain the assembly of all water for the winter. Irrigation systems should be turned off at the shut-off valve and lines drained. Open the test cocks and shut-off valves on the assembly to discharge any water, leaving the valves open 1/8th of a turn. Fully closed or fully open valves will trap water behind the ball in the valve which could lead to freezing and damage to the valve.  
• Wrap old blankets or beach towels around the assembly for added protection during peak cold temperatures. 
• Exposed water lines to fixtures, such as outside showers, should be isolated and drained. Pour a small amount of RV/Marine antifreeze (Prestone, Peak, or equivalent) into drains/toilets that may be subject to freezing. Do not use standard automotive antifreeze/coolant.
• Know the location for the main irrigation shut-off valve and keep the Brunswick County Public Utilities phone numbers (or your local water provider) on hand in case of any burst irrigation lines.