When a pipe freezes and breaks, it can cost you more than just the cost of a plumber. You may have to go without water for a while until the leak is repaired. If no one is home when the pipe thaws, the flooding and property damage in your home could lead to huge repair costs and inconvenience. To avoid such problems, Seattle Public Utilities reminds residents to prepare for winter weather and freezing temperatures. If you haven’t already, follow these tips to ensure that you’re well-prepared.

• • Know where your shut offs are. If an emergency occurs, you’ll need to know how to shut off electricity, gas and water at main switches and valves.
  
• • Protect water pipes from freezing in exposed or unheated areas (attics, basements and garages) by wrapping with tape and insulating materials from hardware stores. Follow manufacturers’ installation instructions.
  
• • Drain and remove all outdoor hoses.
  
• • Caulk around pipes where they enter the house and close all foundation vents to minimize cold wind from blowing into your house. Pipes exposed to drafts from open foundation vents are most at risk of freezing or splitting during cold weather. Close off these vents by sliding cut pieces of wood or styrofoam into the vent openings (open the vents again in the spring to prevent dry rot).
  
• • If you have a separate shut-off valve for outside faucets, now is the time to shut it off. Then go outside and turn on all faucets to drain the water out of the pipes.
  
• • If you don’t have a separate shut-off valve, wrap outside faucets or hose bibs (if you choose, foam insulated covers are available for about $3 at hardware stores).
  
• • Shut off and drain in-ground sprinkler systems. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
  

• • Protect indoor sink pipes that are against exterior walls, by opening under-sink cabinet doors to allow indoor heat to circulate.
  
• • During severe cold temperatures, allow one indoor faucet to slowly drip cold water. Select the faucet that is the farthest from your front door. Do not leave water running in unoccupied buildings.
  
• • Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit day or night (even if you are away during winter months).
  
• • If a water pipe breaks, immediately close the main shut-off valve to stop excessive flooding. If you cannot turn off the main shut-off valve, SPU customers can call 206-386-1800 and a crew will turn off the water at the meter for a standard service charge.
  

• • Rake up and properly dispose of leaves to prevent storm drains from clogging, which can lead to street flooding. Compost leaves and use them to build healthy soils in your garden.
  
• • Maintain gutters and downspouts. Clean your gutters and the drainage downspouts attached to your roof twice a year. Direct flows from downspouts away from your home, without discharging flows to adjacent properties.