DC Water prepares for extreme cold impacts on water lines, urges customers to protect pipes from freezing

January 03, 2025
Workers fixing a water main break during the winter

As the region braces for some of the coldest temperatures in years over the next few days, DC Water is monitoring conditions, mobilizing equipment, and preparing repair crews to respond to service disruptions.

Large fluctuations in temperatures and extreme cold over a prolonged period can make water mains more susceptible to breaking and pipes in homes to freeze. 

As part of DC Water’s Winter Weather Plan, we are coordinating with District and regional partners, monitoring the system and prioritizing repairs for leaks, readying vehicles and equipment needed for snow and ice removal, and ensuring we have the staffing needed for emergency repairs.

For homeowners and residents, days of sub-freezing temperatures may cause standing water inside pipes to freeze and expand causing pipes to break. To protect your home, customers are encouraged to take steps to prevent water from freezing in pipes and plumbing. 

Pipes most at risk are those exposed to the outside or in unheated interior areas such as kitchen cabinets, attics, garages, basements and crawl spaces. Some steps to prevent home water lines from freezing include:

  • Close valves to outdoor faucets
  • Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses and leave outdoor faucets open to allow any excess water to drip out
  • In extreme temperatures let cold water drip from indoor faucets connected to exposed pipes

If your pipes freeze, do not attempt to thaw them with an open flame of any kind. Instead, open faucets so that water will flow through the pipe once the area is melted. Gradually warm pipes and be careful not to use devices that will cause melted ice to boil as it could cause the pipes to break. 

More tips to Protect Your Pipes from the Cold can be found at DCWater.com. 

For an emergency inside your home, customers should contact a licensed plumber. 

If conditions become severe, DC Water may close its offices, however, the Authority’s 24-hour emergency hotline at 202-612-3400 will remain available for customers reporting a water emergency on public property. 

Latest News

Head shot of Rabia Chaudhry Director of  Water Supply Resilience

DC Water’s efforts to build a more resilient water supply took a significant step forward with the announcement today of Rabia Chaudhry, PhD, PE, as the first Director of Water Supply Resilience. The ...

Photo of West Road where construction will take place

Beginning the week of April 21, 2025, DC Water will implement temporary traffic lane closures near Georgetown University’s Canal Road Northwest entrance to identify and mark underground utilities for ...

Map of Clara Barton Parkway near 495 with lane closures marked and site of incident damage

DC Water and its engineers will conduct an emergency inspection of a 78-inch sewer pipe located next to the Clara Barton Parkway. This follows an incident where a contractor working in the area ...

Upcoming Meeting

Board of Directors Meeting

April 24, 2023

Monday 9:00 AM

Announcement

Photo of West Road where construction will take place
TRAFFIC ADVISORY: Canal Road NW Entrance to Georgetown University

Beginning the week of April 21, 2025, DC Water will implement temporary traffic lane closures near Georgetown University

Latest Blog Post
A helicopter lowers a drill rig to workers on the Potomac River.
DC Water begins drilling in Potomac River to explore options to rehab underwater sewer line
When one of your major sewer lines runs through the Potomac River, a backhoe and trencher won't do. That's why we've got helicopters carrying a 14-ton drill and workers suspended midair over the Potomac.
Upcoming Meeting
Date
May 1, 2025
Thursday, 9:30 AM