Lateral Water and Sewer Line Freeze Ups - Guidance to Residents

Lateral Water and Waste Water Line Freeze Ups - Guidance to Residents

The City of Melrose is not recommending any method, only forwarding  information on frozen service lines. If you are concerned your water line or sewer may freeze during periods of cold weather or frost, below is offer as best practices.


Here are some options to consider:

  • The most likely spot for water and sewer  lines to freeze is where it enters the house/building.

  • Make sure to clear the area of storage items so warmer room air can reach the pipes.  This may mean removing items from a vanity cabinet or in a utility room.

  • Use heat tape.

  • Use a warm hair dryer.

  • Make sure the roof vent is not covered with snow or is otherwise blocked.  Snow build up over the vent will cause the sewer drain to slow down.  This prevents the warmer air in the sewer system from venting up the house line and keeping the line above freezing.

  • Monitor water flow in the nearest (to the outside) fixture closely.  Run your cold water for a couple minutes and then take the temperature of the water.  If it is below 40 degrees Fahrenheit as a last resort, you can let your cold water run from this faucet at a pencil lead thickness.  

    • You should run it non-stop when there is no one home or no water is being used for a period of time.

    • Watch for unintended consequences of sewer or septic backups if running water continuously.

    • If a home's thermostat isn't hardwired and relies on a battery, property owners should make sure that battery is fresh.

    • Letting the water run at this level will average .25 gpm (1/4 gallon per minute) which equals 10,800 gallons in 30 days.

    • The question arises about if a 1/8 gallon per minute continuous water run (size of a pencil lead which will equal about 5,400 gallons per month) is enough to prevent a freeze up?

The risk of frozen service lines could continue for several weeks and/or months.










If you do choose to run your water as a precautionary effort to prevent freeze up of your water line, you will be charged for this additional water usage. If you choose to run your water in an effort to prevent your sewer line from backing up, please contact the City to determine if a credit will be provided on your bill.