The city is is warning residents to protect pipes during this big freeze.  Forecasters say we are in for the coldest weather since December 1990.  That year, after six days of freezing weather, hundreds of pipes froze and burst causing flooded homes and the loss of service for many homeowners.  Many of the worst problems occurred after the cold weather passed and frozen pipes began to thaw.  

Here are steps you can take now to prevent costly damage and repairs to your home:

Shut off outside faucets, drain the water and protect them by insulating with rags or foam covers.

If you’re going to be away have someone check your house daily and make sure its warm enough to prevent freezing.     

Drain and remove all outdoor hoses, and shut off and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.

Pipes in exposed or unheated areas (attics, basements and garages) should be wrapped with tape and insulating materials. Newspapers, rags or paper products make excellent insulation if wrapped around pipes to a thickness of about 3 inches. The paper then should be covered by plastic.

Check for any exposed pipes in unheated areas. That includes basements, garages, attics and crawl spaces. 

Protect indoor sink pipes that are against exterior walls, by opening under sink cabinet doors, allowing heat to circulate. During severe cold, allow the faucet farthest from your front door to slowly drip cold water. 

Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees day or night (even if you are away).

Don’t ever use hair dryers to thaw frozen pipes — you face the risk of electrocution!

If a water pipe breaks, immediately close the main shut-off valve to stop flooding. If you cannot turn off the main shut-off valve, Seattle residents can call (206) 386-1800 and a crew will turn off the water at the meter.