Temperatures are beginning to plummet and Aqua is urging customers to act now to prevent frozen pipes, which can lead to costly repairs and significant disruptions in water service. 

Pipes are at higher risk of freezing when temperatures stay below freezing for extended periods of time. Preventative measures can help you avoid expensive cleanups and repairs. 

Tips to Prepare Before the Freeze 

• Stock Up on Supplies: Keep pipe insulation, heat tape, a portable space heater, and a hair dryer on hand.  
• Locate and Mark Your Master Water Valve: This will allow you to quickly shut off water to your home if a pipe bursts. 
• Inspect Outdoor Meter Pits: Ensure lids are intact to prevent freezing in these areas. 
• Winterize Outdoor Faucets: Shut off and drain outdoor faucets, including those connected to lawn sprinkling systems. 
• Eliminate Drafts in Unheated Areas: Insulate crawl spaces and basements, repair broken windows, and seal gaps to protect pipes. 

Precautions During Freezing Weather 

• Wrap Pipes and Meters: Use insulation materials or heat tape on your pipes and wrap indoor meters with a blanket.  
• Keep Cabinets Open: If you have interior plumbing along an exterior wall, leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around pipes. 
• Run a Small Stream of Water: If temperatures fall below 10 degrees, leave a thin stream of water running from the faucet farthest from your meter.  

What to Do if Pipes Freeze 

• Thaw Safely: If you locate a frozen section of pipe, open a spigot and use a hair dryer or heat tape to thaw it gradually. Never use an open flame. 
• Call a Professional: If you cannot thaw the pipe, contact a licensed plumber for assistance. 

Aqua, an Essential Utilities, Inc. company, is committed to providing safe and reliable water and wastewater services. Essential delivers safe, clean, reliable services that improve the quality of life for individuals, families, and entire communities. With a focus on water, wastewater, and natural gas, Essential is committed to sustainable growth, operational excellence, a superior customer experience, and premier employer status. Essential is an advocate for the communities it serves and is a dedicated steward of natural lands, protecting more than 7,600 acres of forests and other habitats throughout our footprint. Operating as the Aqua and Peoples brands, Essential serves approximately 5.5 million people across 10 states. Essential is one of the most significant publicly traded water, wastewater service, and natural gas providers in the U.S. 

Learn more at Aqua Pennsylvania and how it serves approximately 1.5 million people in 32 counties throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.