The National Weather Service is predicting freezing temperatures in Dublin and most Bay Area cities on Friday and Saturday nights. Dublin San Ramon Services District (DSRSD) encourages its customers to avoid water pipe breaks by insulating all exposed outdoor pipes, usually found at hose bibs, sprinkler systems, and swimming pools, or in crawl spaces, attics, or garages. DSRSD customers whose pipes break and cannot turn off the water should call the District at (925)828-8524 during business hours. After hours, customers should call the Alameda County Sheriff’s Dispatch at (925)462-1212 for help. Repairs are the property owner’s responsibility, if indoor or outdoor pipes break between the meter and the homeowner’s property.

Preventing Frozen Pipes

Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves that supply outdoor hose bibs, then 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.

Customers should take the time to insulate exposed pipes. Hardware stores stock pipe insulation sleeves, UL-listed “heat tape” or “heat cable,” and similar products. Pipes should be carefully wrapped, with ends butted tightly and joints wrapped with tape. Follow manufacturer’s recommendations for installing and using these products. Alternatives include wrapping pipes with newspapers, blankets, or towels.

Drain water from supply lines to swimming pools and water sprinklers following manufacturer’s or installer’s directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.

Thawing Frozen Pipes

If you have no water in your home after a very cold night, chances are good that water is frozen in the pipes. You can slowly thaw the pipes by wrapping them with towels soaked in hot water, if available. To alleviate pressure, first open all the faucets inside the home one-quarter turn and turn off the valve that supplies the house, unless it is frozen open. As the ice thaws, water will begin trickling out of the faucets. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. More than one pipe may need to be thawed. DSRSD’s Field Operations Supervisor, Jim Dryden, recommends remaining at home while pipes are thawing, in case a pipe cracks. If you are unable to locate the frozen pipe or it is inaccessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

DSRSD does not recommend using hairdryers or other electrical devices around water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device to thaw pipes. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode.