When the temperature falls below freezing, the water in the water pipe freezes, causing no water to come out, or the water pipe may burst and leak water.
As described below, please cooperate in preventing water pipes from freezing.
Water pipes that are easy to freeze
- Pipes exposed outside
- A tube on the north side of the house, where the sun does not hit.
- Tubes in a windy place
※Care should be taken especially when it falls below -4°C.
How to protect the cold in ordinary households
- Covers the faucet completely with heat insulating material, blanket, or piece of cloth.
- To protect the meter, put a used blanket or styrofoam in the meter box to keep it warm.
- If water is poured out from the faucet to the bathtub little by little, the water is flowing slowly, making it difficult to freeze. (Please note that the water charge for the sink will be charged.)
If you are absent for a long time in winter
The water pipe may burst due to the cold wave and leak water. If you are out of office for a long time, please close the valve (auxiliary stopcock) in the meter box when you go out.
When the water pipe freezes
- If the faucet freezes, wait for it to thaw naturally, or cover the frozen part with a towel and slowly lukewarm water.
※Care should be taken because suddenly hot water may cause pipes and faucets to burst or damage the hydrant. - If water does not come out even if the faucet is opened due to freezing, the faucet may remain open, but be sure to close the faucet even if water does not come out.
When the water pipe ruptures
- If the water pipe and water meter (meter glass) burst, close the valve in the meter box as much as possible and stop the water. At this time, cover the ruptured area with cloth or tape before applying for repair. However, be careful not to injure yourself by broken glass.
- Water leakage from the water meter to the faucet cannot be repaired at Water Works Bureau.Private waterworks shops (list of meter downstream water leak repair companies)Please ask for repairs to me. However, Water Works Bureau replaces the rupture of the water meter (meter glass) free of charge. In addition, even if water leaks near the water meter, it may be possible to repair it free of charge.Water Works Bureau Customer Service CenterPlease contact us.
In City of Yokohama, Water Works Bureau
- A patrol team is formed during the winter season, and efforts are made to detect and repair water leaks that may cause slip accidents.
- If cold waves are expected in the weather forecast, we are calling for prevention of freezing by broadcast vehicles.
For inquiries regarding water supply, please contact the Water Works Bureau Customer Service Center.