Winterizing Tips!

When a water pipe freezes and breaks, not only can it be expensive, but you also may be without water until the leak is repaired. The City of Bremerton would like to remind customers to prepare for winter weather and freezing temperatures. Follow these tips to ensure that you are well prepared:

Locate your master water supply valve so you know how to find it quickly in emergencies
Wrap exposed pipes. Leaving water running wastes water and does not guarantee that it won't freeze
Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas of the home, including crawl spaces under the house or garages
Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, allowing water to drain from the pipe. It only takes one overnight freeze to burst a faucet or pipe it is connected to. Shut off and drain in-ground sprinkler systems
Remember to wrap or cover outdoor faucets
Seal off cracks, access doors and broken basement windows to eliminate cold air from entering your home
During severe cold, allow one indoor faucet to slowly drip water - select the faucet that is farthest from your front door
If a water pipe breaks, immediately close the main shut-off valve to stop excessive flooding

For information about cold weather and emergency drinking water preparation, click here.