Winter storm preparations: Protecting outdoor plumbing from freeze damage

JONESBORO, Ark. (KAIT) - With a winter storm expected this weekend, residents should take steps now to protect outdoor plumbing from freeze damage that could lead to costly repairs.

Chase West, Chief Operations Officer at Chris West Plumbing, said homeowners need to locate and mark their water meters before snow covers them.

“The problem with that is when you have temperatures like this. A lot of times, you need to access your water meter, but you have a foot of snow on the ground. Find some way to mark that water meter,” West said.

West said the best way to mark a water meter is to use a Rubbermaid tub or similar cover so it remains visible in the snow.

Check crawl spaces and vents

West recommends homeowners walk around their property to inspect crawl space vents and doors before the storm arrives.

“Walk around your house, check your crawl space vents, and crawl space doors. One of the most common problems with frozen plumbing is that someone unknowingly has a crawl vent open or a crawl space door that has fallen off, and it just needs to be propped up. It allows that cold air to blow right under,” West said.

The combination of snow, cold temperatures, and wind could create significant problems for outdoor plumbing, West said.

Service calls increase during winter storms

West said his company receives numerous emergency calls during winter weather events.

“I can’t get there because of the amount of calls that we have with an event like this with 12 inches of snow on the ground and people have not prepared for how to shut their water off and they don’t know where their meter is cause it’s covered up and they haven’t taken simple precautions like installing hydrant covers,” West said.

Problems that begin with outdoor plumbing can spread inside homes and result in expensive damage, West said.

“When we’re talking about problems outside, leaving a crawl space open, a hydrant cover off, that line has frozen and caused a burst inside. When you have a burst pipe situation, and it floods your house, it can be a substantial amount of money,” West said.

West advises homeowners to walk around their property before the storm to check water meters, faucets, and any openings that could allow cold air inside.

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