10/28/2025
Freezing temperatures means winter maintenance! Here are some tips from to help you get ready and avoid costly damage from burst pipes:
▪Know the location of your water shut-off valve and test it regularly. This will help you shut off the water if a pipe breaks.
In most single-family homes in the District, this is in the basement or crawl space.
▪Keep your meter and main valve accessible in case of an emergency. If you can’t turn off the water in the house, you may need your plumber or Cottonwood Water to do so outside.
▪Turn off and drain automatic and manual sprinkler systems before first freeze. Freezing and thawing over the winter can create cracks and weak spots, leading to leaks.
▪Turn off outdoor faucets and be sure to disconnect hoses from them. Fully drain outdoor faucets and the outdoor portion of pipes, and disconnect and drain the hose to avoid damage from freezing water.
▪Winterize unheated or vacant buildings. Burst pipes can cause significant damage if left undiscovered in a vacant building. Please contact us if you would like us to turn off the water to the house (at no charge to you!) while you home is vacant for an extended period of time.
▪Insulate water pipes that may be vulnerable to the cold or have caused problems before.
▪Pipes close to exterior walls, near windows, or in unheated basements can be wrapped with pieces of insulation to prevent freezing.
