Town Can Help Protect Home from Frozen Pipes

The Town has a number of out-of-town property owners who use their Cape Charles houses as second homes. With the freezing temperatures during the winter months, property owners may opt to
have their water service temporarily disconnected as a safeguard to freezing pipes and potential water leaks which could cause severe property damage.

Many of the newer homes in Town and some of the older, remodeled homes, have interior water shut-off valves installed. If your home has a shut-off-valve, we urge you to shut off the water to your home if you are planning to be away for any length of time during the winter months. We also recommend draining the lines to any exterior faucets to prevent them from freezing.

If your home does not have an interior shut-off valve, you can contact the Utility Billing Department at 757-331-6901 to arrange to have your water service temporarily discontinued while you are away. There is a $25 fee for discontinuing the service and a $25 fee for reactivating the service. This is a small price to pay for the ease of mind that your pipes will not freeze and burst. (Town Code § 70-45).

Please note that unless you have an interior water shut-off valve, it is unlawful for any person to turn the water service off at the street. There have been several instances where homeowners have attempted to turn off the water at the street and have damaged the valves which can cause serious leaks in the system. In order for the damages to be repaired, the water must be shut off for the entire street/block until the repairs can be made. The cost of repairs may be charged to the property owner causing the damage.