Frozen Meters and Pipes

> Protecting your water meter and pipes

During cold weather customers can protect their water meters and pipes from freezing.

Water meters are exposed and sit out of the ground, so they are susceptible to sub-zero temperatures. When water freezes it expands which can cause a meter to burst or pipes to split.

Customers should cover their water meter during the cold weather with something that traps the air around the meter such as a towel, blanket, hessian bag or even a cardboard box, upturned bucket or an old tyre placed around the meter.

However customers must make sure that the cover can be easily removed for meter reading and maintenance.

> What to do if your meter and pipes freeze

If your meter or pipes do freeze the best solution is to wait for the temperature to rise and to naturally unfreeze.

You may be able to find another source of water to pour over the frozen meter or pipe. However boiling or very hot water should be avoided due to the potential for pipes splitting.

Lukewarm water should be used but it’s better to avoid the situation altogether and protect your water meter from the frost.

If Coliban Water customers experience difficulty or have any questions, please call our Customer Contact Centre on 1300 363 200.