Water Service Lines and Cold Weather

Durango, CO – With subfreezing temperatures on the way, the City of Durango has a few recommendations to assure homeowners and renters do not experience problems with their water service.

Disconnect all garden hoses from exterior hose bibs. Most hose bibs are freeze proof but water trapped in the hose could expand and split the connection. Older hose bibs that are not freeze proof could have their pipe split by the freezing water. Insulating hose bibs with inexpensive covers found at most hardware stores, keeps the cold temperatures from entering a home through the spigot, saving in heating costs. Irrigation systems with automatic sprinklers should have the water lines blown with air to remove any access water within the pipes to prevent the line from bursting.

Homeowners should evaluate the thermal insulation of their home. Additional insulation in unheated spaces where water service pipes are exposed may be required to prevent pipes from freezing. Advice from professional contractors and plumbers should be sought if the homeowner is uncomfortable on determining the type, extent, or method of insulation required for their home.

If the homeowner expects to be away from the home or to be using a minimal amount of water during very cold days, a water faucet in the interior of the home should be left open at a trickle. A minimal amount of water flowing through the home’s piping system will assure the interior and exterior water pipes will not freeze. Moving water is less likely to freeze and the water in the city main remains warmer than standing water in a home’s service line.

Should a homeowner experience a problem with their water service, they should contact the City of Durango Public Works Department at 375-4801 for information. The property owner will need to provide access to the property’s water meter to determine the type or extent of the problem.