Water expands when it freezes, meaning cold winter temperatures can cause water pipes to freeze... or even break. Follow these steps to protect your pipes:

• Ensure pipes aren’t frozen by opening and turning on taps. 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. Pipes in the attic or an unheated garage can be wrapped before temperatures drop.
• Seal off access doors, air vents, and cracks. 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 water supply, then open the outside spigot to allow any remaining water to drain.
• If leaving your home for an extended period, consider closing your 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 call us at 412-255-2423 to shut off water service at the curb to avoid a minimum monthly charge.

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