Broken Water Lines
Broken water lines can cause unsafe conditions. A break in a large water main outside may cause unsafe walking or driving conditions. If you see a water main break, avoid the area and report the break immediately by calling the City’s Emergency Utility Service at 513-785-7550 – available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
If a pipe bursts inside your home or business, be aware of standing water that can short circuit an appliance and give you an electrical shock.
Frozen pipes are a leading cause of water line breaks and can cause thousands of dollars in damage. Minimize your risk by following the helpful tips below to prevent frozen pipes and to respond accordingly if your pipes do freeze.
Insulate pipes in crawl spaces, in attics, and near outer walls.
Keep your thermostat set above 55⁰ F.
Open cabinet doors under sinks and vanities to let warm air in. If you have a reason to be especially concerned (if your pipes have frozen before, for example), you may also want to let hot and cold water faucets trickle into an open drain overnight.
Disconnect hoses and cover outside faucets.
Close outside vents when nighttime temperatures fall below 32⁰ F.
Know where your water shut-off valves are located and make sure they are properly marked and in good working condition. More tips on locating your water shut-off valves can be found here.
Before going out of town, arrange for someone to check your home while you are gone to make sure the heat remains on.
If your pipes freeze:
Shut the water off immediately. If the water is on when frozen pipes thaw out, water that collected behind the ice will shoot out of the ruptured pipes into your home. Tips on locating your water shut-off valves can be found here.
Never try to thaw a pipe with an open flame or torch. Use a hairdryer instead.
Be careful of electrical shock in areas of standing water or dampness.
Contact a licensed plumber if you are unsure that you can safely make repairs to your frozen pipes. A list of licensed plumbers can be found here.