LEESBURG, VA (Nov 1, 2023) – Residents of Leesburg, brace yourselves for the approaching cold wave as the National Weather Service has announced a Freeze Watch in effect for the town. The watch will remain in place from midnight to 10 a.m. on Thursday, November 2.
With the chilly winds starting to blow and the anticipation of the season’s first frost, it’s about time for the townsfolk to retire their garden hoses to the shed until the spring blooms again.
Those who have previously faced the woes of frozen or burst pipes understand the significance of properly turning off outdoor water supplies. A failure in adequately draining and closing off your outdoor hose bibbs can result in residual water freezing and expanding in the supply line, potentially leading to split pipes.
To safeguard homes from the inconvenience and damages caused by frozen pipes, the Leesburg Utilities Department has generously shared some winterizing tips. Here’s how to ensure your outdoor water connections are safe and dry:
- Insulate pipes in unheated areas, such as crawl spaces.
- Detach hoses from outdoor faucets, ensuring they are drained and turned off.
- Educate all family members on the location of the main shut-off valve for emergencies.
- If leaving town for an extended period, turn off the water supply and drain the system, while maintaining a thermostat setting of at least 55 degrees.
For extended cold spells, residents are advised to:
- Keep cabinet doors open to facilitate warm air circulation around water supply lines under sinks.
- Maintain a small, steady stream of water running from the highest faucet in the house.
- In case of frozen pipes, avoid using open flames or space heaters for thawing. A hairdryer can be used cautiously if no standing water is present.
Should residents experience a water outage and suspect a frozen water meter, they are encouraged to contact the Leesburg Department of Utilities at 703-771-2750 during office hours or the Leesburg Police Department’s non-emergency line at 703-771-4500 after hours.
