How can I prevent my water service or pipes from freezing during the winter months?

To prevent your service or the pipes within your home from freezing under very cold conditions, you can take a couple of simple precautions:

  • Interior piping and the water meter inside homes and businesses can freeze and burst if they are not protected. Interior areas should be adequately heated to protect interior plumbing from freezing. Openings to the outside should be closed and properly insulated to eliminate cold air entry. Repair broken windows, check doors, and insulate areas where cold air can leak in from the outside.
  • Meters and interior piping located near outside walls or foundations should be insulated to prevent freezing. If insulation will not provide adequate protection, wrap pipes with heat tape or heat cables. These products plug into power outlets and generate heat to prevent freezing. Inspect heat tape for wear and replace when necessary.
  • Hoses should be removed from outside faucets and close the valve inside the house that control those faucets.
  • If a frozen interior pipe is suspected, turn off the water at the main shut off valve inside your home (located by the water meter) and call a plumber. A hair dryer or portable heater can be used to try and thaw the frozen pipe. Do not try to thaw a pipe with a torch or open flame.
  • When away from home for a few days, keep the thermostat set at 55 degrees or higher. If you plan an extended stay away from home, consider having the water shut-off and possibly having your plumbing winterized.
  • A customer may also wish to have their water meter removed. Any damage that may result from allowing a water meter to become frozen shall be paid for by the customer (or owner) of the premises.
  • It's always a good idea to contact the utility to ask questions regarding your water options when it comes to Wisconsin winters.

Show All Answers

1. What is the responsibility as a homeowner in getting the water from the main to the house?
2. How can I prevent my water service or pipes from freezing during the winter months?
3. Who do I contact if I am moving?
4. Who do I contact to discuss billing problems or issues?
5. Where can I find my water meter?
6. What do I do if my water is discolored?
7. Does the Village offer a sprinkling credit for irrigation?
8. I have no or low water pressure in my house?
9. What is the hardness of my water?
10. Why does my water smell like chlorine?