When extra cold temperatures are in the forecast, the Department of Public Works (DPW) advises residents to take the following precautions to prevent frozen water lines:
Keep your house heated to a minimum of 65 degrees. The temperature inside the walls where the pipes are located is substantially colder than the walls themselves. A temperature lower than 65 degrees might not keep the inside walls from freezing.
For pipes located within cabinets, open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate through. If you have young children, relocate any chemicals or cleaners that may have otherwise been out of reach behind the cabinet doors.
Open hot and cold faucets enough to let them drip slowly. In severely cold temperatures, keeping water moving within the pipes will help prevent freezing.
Make sure you can locate your water shut-off/water isolation valve inside the home before a water break occurs. Refresh your memory or learn how it works, in case you must use it. If your pipes burst, first turn off the water.
Don't wait for frozen pipes to burst. If your pipes are frozen, take measures to thaw them immediately, or call a plumber for assistance.
Insulate any spigots or pipes on the outside of your home.
If you will be away from home, set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees and ask a neighbor to check the house regularly.
If you experience a frozen water pipe, or water has stopped flowing into your home, and you are unable to determine the location or nature of the problem, please contact the DPW to determine if the issue is on the city side of the water service.
If you experience a broken or leaking water pipe and can't find your isolation valve or it doesn’t work, please contact the city so that we can shut off your water using the curb valve.
If a water emergency occurs during office hours, please call City Hall (517) 458-6828. The after-hours emergency line is (517) 448-0949. If you live in a rental property or apartment building, please contact your property manager first.