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Milwaukee Water Works: Tips to prevent frozen, burst water pipes

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Published  January 13, 2025 10:20am CST
Winter Weather
FOX6 News Milwaukee
article

Tips to prevent frozen pipes

The Brief

    • With temperatures in the single digits and sub-zero wind chills, homeowners need to take action to prevent frozen or burst pipes.
    • Milwaukee Water Works offers multiple tips to keep your home safe from damage.
    • Officials also offer phone numbers to call in the event of a water main break.

MILWAUKEE - Bitter cold air has descended on southeast Wisconsin and that often leads to pipes to freeze or burst. But there are steps you can take to prevent such damage in your home. 

Take immediate action

Milwaukee Water Works (MWW) urges homeowners to take immediate action to avoid damage resulting from frozen or burst pipes.

What you can do:

  • Keep your basement warm: Ensure your basement is properly heated or insulated to protect pipes from freezing.
  • Run water occasionally: Allow a small trickle of water to flow through your pipes to keep them from freezing.
  • Eliminate cold drafts: Install storm windows or add insulation to basement windows, and turn off and drain garden hose connections.
  • Wrap pipes: Use insulation or heat tape, or place a light bulb near pipes to provide warmth (avoid open flames indoors).

Officials say If you suspect frozen pipes or a frozen water meter, contact MWW’s Meter Services Division at 414-286-8000. The water meter is usually located in the basement where the service line enters your home.

What if you lose heat?:

If you are without heat due to a power outage, MWW says let water run at a low trickle to reduce the risk of freezing. If you need to leave your home, shut off the water service at the meter to prevent damage.

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Frozen water service lines, which connect properties to the water main in the street, can cost hundreds of dollars an hour to repair due to frozen ground or other complications. Acting now to insulate and protect pipes can save both time and money.

What about water main breaks?:

During cold weather, MWW typically experiences an increase in water main breaks. 

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If you notice water surfacing or experience low water pressure, it could be due to a main break. Residents are encouraged to report main breaks by calling 414-286-3710.

The Source: The information in this post was provided by Milwaukee Water Works.

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