Remove garden hoses. Close the water shut-off valve that provides water to outside spigots. Drain each line by opening its spigot until it no longer drips, then turn the spigot off.

Wrap outside pipes with foam sleeves, insulation or heat tape.

 

Be familiar with your water shut-off valve location in case of pipe breaks. If you don’t have a water shut off valve, consider hiring a plumber to install one.

Turn off your irrigation water source and timer, drain the system and shut it down. Consult your irrigation system manual for instructions.

If you leave your home for the season, open sink cabinet doors and consider draining water lines, fixtures and your hot water tank.

Set the thermostat 55ºF or above. If your home or business is under insulated, set your thermostat to a higher temperature to better protect your pipes from freezing.

Keep garage doors and outside doors closed. Seal openings and drafts. Consider adding insulation on the inside of the door.

Keep doors to all rooms open to allow heat to flow to all areas, which helps to warm the pipes in the walls. Insulate around windows and pipes. Heavy curtains are also a good option for window insulation.

If no water comes out of a faucet or if water flows slowly, suspect a frozen pipe. Check all indoor faucets to determine the location of all frozen pipes. Turn on the faucet. Any running water can help the ice melt. Any melting ice needs a place to go. Apply heat to the pipe behind the faucet. Options include a hot blow dryer or a heating pad or hot towels wrapped around the pipe. Work backwards from the faucet heating the pipe until full water pressure returns.

If you think a pipe may have broken, turn off the water at the main shut off valve (usually found at the meter or where the water enters the home). If you can’ access the frozen pipe, or have any issues attempting to thaw your pipes, call a licensed plumber for assistance.

If a pipe breaks and you cannot get the water turned off, call
the City of Prescott Utilities service line at 928-777-1118.

For more tips visit energy.gov/energysaver.
For information on weatherization assistance, visit housing.az.gov.