Harsh winter temperatures can cause your pipes to freeze or even break. Water expands when it freezes, which places a tremendous amount of pressure on your plumbing system.

Follow these simple steps to protect your pipes this winter:

• Check frequently to make sure pipes are not frozen by opening and turning on taps in your home. Allow water to drip slightly from your faucets if your pipes tend to freeze.
• Insulate pipes, faucets, and water meters in cold areas of your home. If you have pipes in the attic, an unheated garage, or crawl space under the house, wrap pipes before temperatures drop.
• Seal off access doors, air vents, and cracks. Winter air that enters a home through any opening can quickly freeze exposed water pipes.
• Before temperatures drop, remove, drain, and store outside garden hoses. Close the internal valves that control the water supply to the outside hose spigot. Then, open the outside hose spigot to allow any remaining water to drain.
• If leaving your home for an extended period, consider closing your main water shut-off valve and draining the system by opening all faucets and flushing the toilets. To shut off individual fixtures, check for valves under sinks and behind toilets. You can also call us at 412.255.2423 to have us shut water service at the curb to avoid a minimum monthly charge.

Learn more at pgh2o.com/protecting-your-pipes.