DPW Cold Weather Tips Reminder: PROTECT YOUR PIPES DURING COLD WEATHER

Thursday Jan 8th, 2015

Green banner with DPW logo and text "Department of Public Works Press Release"

BALTIMORE, MD (January 8, 2015) – Baltimore weather has turned bitterly cold, and Baltimore City Department of Public Works Director Rudolph S. Chow, P.E., reminds customers of the threat to water infrastructure due to extended cold and repeated freeze/thaw cycles.

Water service lines and water meters can freeze when the temperature remains below 25 degrees for extended periods of time. Such conditions can also impact water mains, causing the ground to buckle and shift, resulting in broken water lines.

Here are a few tips to help protect your water service lines during periods of cold weather:

  • Insulate pipes located in unheated parts of your house. This is especially a good tip for those who have had frozen pipes in the past.
  • Let a thin stream of cold water run from a basement faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow, about the thickness of pencil lead. This water can be caught in a bucket and used later as laundry or dish water.
  • If a pipe should freeze, gently warm it with hot air from a blow dryer at the point where it enters the house.
  • Be sure you know the location of the water shutoff valve in your home. Check it periodically to ensure that it works properly.
  • Be sure to shut off water to outside faucets.
  • Periodically monitor your sump pump. A frozen drain pipe could result in a flooded basement.
  • Keep bottled water on hand. Plan on needing a gallon of water per person per day.

    • The Department of Public Works maintains outdoor water lines up to and including the meter. For water emergencies call 311, or 410-396-5352 in Baltimore County.

    Water lines running from the meter to the house, as well as internal plumbing, are the responsibility of the property owner. Check with your homeowners insurance carrier to see if your interior pipes are covered in the event they freeze and rupture.

    Consider buying a protection plan, such as that offered by HomeServe, for your exterior pipes. For more information visit BaltimoreServiceRepairs.com or call 855-807-6631.

    Related Stories

    DPW is Now Accepting Public Comments on the Modified Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree Revised Emergency Response Plan 

    The Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW)  has announced the release of its Revised Emergency Response Plan (ERP), a reference tool to be used by City personnel during a sanitary sewer overflow or reported building backup emergency. The Modified Sanitary Sewer Consent Decree (MCD) requires DPW to submit a revised Emergency Response Plan to protect the public health and welfare in the event of an unpermitted release, spill, or discharge of pollutants from the sewer collection system or in the event of a reported building backup.

    Register Now for the Mayor's Fall Cleanup, October 26

    Mayor Brandon M. Scott, the Baltimore City Department of Public Works (DPW), and the Mayor's Office of Community Affairs have announced the upcoming Mayor's Annual Fall Clean-up and Day of Service. Residents, volunteer groups, and community associations are encouraged to register now to participate in the city-wide effort to beautify neighborhoods. The event will run on Saturday, October 26, 2024, from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

    Mattress and Box Spring Recycling Now Available at Quarantine Road Landfill Residential Drop-Off Center



    Looking to get rid of an old mattress? Baltimore City residents can now drop off mattresses and box springs for recycling at the Baltimore City Department of Public Works’ (DPW) Quarantine Road Landfill Residential Drop-Off Center. In the coming months, DPW will expand this mattress recycling service to other Residential Drop-Off Centers across the city.

    Visit the Newsroom