During the winter months, residents are advised to take steps to protect their water pipes from freezing temperatures. According to Stafford County’s Department of Utilities, frozen pipes can create high pressure inside plumbing systems, sometimes causing them to burst and result in significant flooding and costly repairs.
Pipes located in unheated areas such as basements, attics, and garages are especially at risk. The department has provided several tips for homeowners to prevent damage during cold weather.
Homeowners should locate and label the main water shut-off valve in their homes and make sure everyone in the household knows its location. “Turning water off quickly can limit damage should a pipe freeze or burst,” according to county guidance.
Insulating pipes and outside faucets is recommended for all unheated spaces. For those with garages or crawl spaces that lack heating, wrapping exposed water pipes with insulation material can help reduce risk. Residents are also encouraged to disconnect, drain, and store garden hoses before freezing conditions arrive since a frozen hose left attached could cause pressure throughout the system.
Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors during freezing temperatures helps warmer air circulate around indoor plumbing—particularly if sinks are installed on exterior walls. However, families with young children or pets should first remove any hazardous cleaners from these cabinets.
Another preventative measure is to let cold water drip from the faucet farthest from the main valve when it is below freezing outdoors; this keeps water moving within pipes so they are less likely to freeze. Keeping thermostats set at a consistent temperature day and night is also advised, as well as maintaining home heat at no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit when away during cold periods.
If a pipe does burst despite precautions, officials say residents should immediately turn off their main water valve before contacting a licensed plumber. The Department of Utilities clarified that while they manage public mains and meter connections, maintenance of pipes located on private property remains the homeowner’s responsibility.
For additional information about protecting pipes during winter weather emergencies, residents can visit resources such as the American Red Cross (https://www.redcross.org/get-help/how-to-prepare-for-emergencies/types-of-emergencies/winter-storm/frozen-pipes.html).
Stafford County Public Schools District serves over 31,700 students as of the 2023-24 school year (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home), an increase of 1.7% compared to the previous year’s enrollment figures (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). Brooke Point High School had the highest individual school enrollment among Stafford County schools for this period with 2,242 students (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). White students comprised nearly 39% of district enrollment while Hispanic students made up just under one quarter (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home). At the pre-kindergarten level, Rising Star Early Childhood Education Center at Melchers enrolled more than half of all pre-K students countywide (https://www.doe.virginia.gov/home).
