01/26/2026
Customers are urged to take measures to prevent frozen pipes.
Cold weather is moving into our area this week. PCI Utility customers are encouraged to allow faucets to drip and insulate outdoor pipes. Pipes that are at risk of freezing are those exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and water sprinkler lines. Also at risk are water supply pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, garages, under kitchen cabinets, or pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.
Protect your pipes from freezing by following these recommendations:
• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
Other precautions that can be taken while temperatures remain low are:
· Customers who own vacant properties are asked to turn off the water at the street.
· Businesses and Offices that anticipate being closed for an extended time during should check periodically for broken pipes and/or leaking fire suppression systems.
· Know where the main water shut off valve is inside the home in advance of an emergency. It could be in a closet or under the sink.
· If your pipes burst, cut off the water.