Frigid Forecast Continues for Lehigh Valley



High risk for frozen pipes and water meters. 

Allentown, PA – January 22, 2025 – Imagine waking up anticipating coffee and a hot shower to start this chilly day, but you have no water. “Did I forget to pay my water bill?” you ask yourself. Then you remember seeing the news about temperatures dropping to single digits overnight and realize frozen pipes may be the culprit. A quick trip to the basement reveals your water meter encased in ice with a frozen puddle beneath it. 

This is a story that is occurring in households throughout the Lehigh Valley this week. Frigid temperatures will persist according to the National Weather Service 7-day forecast for the Lehigh Valley. Temperatures at night will dip into the low teens or single digits and not get above freezing during the day. When extended freezing temperatures hang on it increases the likelihood of frozen pipes and damage to water meters not adequately protected from the cold. Frozen pipes and water meters can lead to service disruptions, property damage, and extra expenses.

Although Lehigh County Authority (LCA) owns the water meter, customers are responsible for protecting the meter from freezing and other damage. If the meter freezes and breaks, the property owner will pay a replacement cost of approximately $400, depending on the meter size, plus a $50 site visit fee for LCA to remove the old meter and install a new one. The site visit fee rises to $150 for after-hours, weekends, and holidays, helping LCA recover costs for staff overtime and emergency work.

It is not too late to take action to protect your pipes and water meter and avoid costly repairs and added inconvenience. The first step is finding the water meter, typically located in the basement, or for older homes, in a crawl space.

Follow these tips to protect your pipes and water meter:

  • Use insulation products made to fit water meters and pipes in a variety of sizes, protecting them from exposure to colder air.
  • Buy a water meter “jacket” made to fit the make and model of your meter. Get them online or a local supply store.
  • Make your own meter and pipe insulation with old blankets, pool noodles, rags, newspaper and tape.
  • Seal off any drafts or gaps where cold air comes in. Repair broken windows.
  • Take steps to allow warmer air in, such as opening a basement door.
  • Electric heat tape is another solution, and available at most hardware stores.

 

On the outside of the home:

  • Turn off all outside spigots from inside.
  • Disconnect hoses from all outdoor faucets.
  • Add a foam insulating cover on the outside for additional protection.

 

If your water meter freezes, the first important steps you should take is to locate your main water valve near the meter and turn the water off. This could prevent water damage after the meter thaws out. Then, thaw the frozen meter slowly by using a hair dryer or a monitored portable heater, but never use open flame. Contact LCA after things are thawed out and as soon as possible to replace the damaged meter. Leave the water main valve turned off until help arrives. Keep in mind that plumbers and plumbing companies are not authorized to repair or replace LCA water meters.

It is important to take steps now to prevent winter water woes. For more helpful tips visit our website https://www.lehighcountyauthority.org/customer-service/common-service-issues/cold/.

 

About Lehigh County AuthorityLehigh County Authority (LCA) is a public water and wastewater utility committed to protecting public health and the environment by providing high-quality, safe, and reliable water and wastewater services, serving a population of approximately 270,000 people. A nonprofit, public agency, LCA was founded in 1966 by the County of Lehigh and is governed by a nine‐member board of directors appointed by the County.

 

Information provided to TVL by:
Lehigh County Authority