Winterize pipes if not heating home

As cold weather approaches, the City of Cedar Rapids would like to advise our customers of the need to winterize water pipes in properties that will not have a functioning heating source.  The first step is to contact Customer Service at (319) 286-5900 to request termination of your water service and removal of the water meter.  Water Utility personnel will then terminate the water service.  The water service turn off is typically done at the curb-stop which is located outside of the home or business.  When the customer provides personnel access to the property, the water meter will be removed. The second step is to drain all water pipes and ancillary items of water and open all sillcocks.  Examples of ancillary items include: toilets tanks, toilet bowls and traps, water heaters, sinks and sink drains, floor drains, water softeners or any other devices that store or retain water.  Emptying the pipes and ancillary items of water and opening all sillcocks prevents damage due to freezing.

If customers have specific questions or need additional information on winterizing the plumbing system in their home, they should contact a local plumber.

Customer Service is available from 7:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday, excluding holidays.  The Water Administration Building is located at 1111 Shaver Road NE.