News

New Haven, CT, December 13, 2017 – Frigid air and sub-freezing temperatures have arrived in our region and can cause water pipes in vulnerable areas of buildings to freeze and burst, resulting in costly damage and expensive repairs. The Regional Water Authority (RWA) offers homeowners in the Greater New Haven area helpful tips to make sure their homes are prepared for winter weather.

Water utilities are responsible for water pipes and service lines that connect to your home at the curb, but not pipes located on your property. The most vulnerable areas include those outside of the home, and water supply lines in unheated areas like basements, attics, and kitchen cabinets. Help protect your pipes from potential damage by following these steps:

• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation; even newspaper will help.
• Ensure water meter vault covers are not cracked. If the meter is installed outside the home, it is housed inside a covered vault. Check to be sure that the vault cover is secure; otherwise, the meter may freeze.
• Eliminate cold air sources near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces and getting rid of drafts near doors.
• If your home does not have indoor shut-off valves for your outdoor spigots, winterize them by purchasing insulation kits, also referred to as domes or caps.
• Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately. Don’t try to thaw frozen pipes unless water is shut off, as freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints. Call a licensed plumber to thaw frozen pipes.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing. Customers should implement wise water use practices and collect the running water for later use.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
• Have a friend, relative or neighbor regularly check your property if you are going to be away from home for more than a few days to ensure that the heat is working and the pipes have not frozen.

For more tips and information, visit or follow us at www.rwater.com, www.facebook.com/scctrwa/ and www.twitter.com/sc_ct_rwa.

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About the Regional Water Authority

The South Central Connecticut Regional Water Authority (RWA) is a nonprofit corporation that delivers water for life by providing high-quality water and services to almost 430,000 people in 15 cities and towns throughout Greater New Haven. As a conscious business, the RWA acts as a responsible steward of the environment by protecting the more than 27,000 acres of watershed land it owns and promoting sustainable practices. Our more than 260 employees work toward our vision of being an innovative water utility that sustains life, strengthens communities and protects natural resources for future generations. For more information on the RWA, please visit www.rwater.com.