BRYN MAWR, PA — With temperatures expected to plunge and remain below freezing for days, Aqua, an Essential Utilities company, is urging residents to act now to prevent frozen pipes that can burst, flood homes, and cut off water service during the coldest stretch of the winter.
The warning comes as near-record cold grips the region, creating conditions in which pipes become highly vulnerable to freezing, especially in unheated or exposed areas of a home. Essential Utilities is advising customers to take immediate precautions, emphasizing that a few simple steps today can prevent costly damage and major disruptions later.
The company recommends stocking up on pipe insulation, heat tape, portable space heaters, and hair dryers — tools that can help protect or thaw vulnerable plumbing. Homeowners are also urged to locate and clearly mark their master water valve so they can quickly shut off water should a pipe burst.
Outdoor meter pits should be inspected to ensure lids are secure, and all outdoor faucets — including those connected to sprinkler systems — should be shut off and drained. Insulating basements, crawl spaces, and sealing drafts can further safeguard pipes during extended cold snaps.
During the freeze, Aqua advises wrapping indoor meters with blankets, insulating exposed pipes, and opening cabinet doors beneath sinks along exterior walls to allow warm air to circulate. If temperatures fall below 10 degrees, running a thin stream of water from the faucet farthest from the meter can help prevent freezing.
If a pipe freezes, homeowners should open a nearby spigot and use a hair dryer or heat tape to thaw it slowly — never an open flame. Those unable to thaw pipes safely should call a licensed plumber.
Essential Utilities stressed that preparation is the best defense. Taking precautions now, the company said, may spare homeowners from expensive repairs and water damage as the bitter cold settles in.
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