As the temperatures drop and winter settles in, it’s not just your home that needs protection from the harsh elements. Your meter box, that unassuming box on the outside of your house containing your gas, water or electric meter, can also be vulnerable to winter woes. At Repair My Meter Box, we’re keen to make sure everyone’s meter and meter box is running exactly as it should be, especially through the winter when you’ll likely use more gas and electricity.
Here’s why you should pay attention to your meter box during the cold season, and how to keep it functioning properly
Potential Threats of Winter on Meter Boxes
First, we need to highlight why looking after your meter box in the winter is important by highlighting the dangers your meter box may face during the colder months. Being aware of these potential faults is the first step to preventing them happening or solving them when they do.
Frozen Pipes: If your meter box houses water meter connections, freezing temperatures can cause the pipes to burst. This can lead to a costly repair and a potential water shortage in your home.
Damaged Hinges and Latches: Metal hinges and latches on your meter box can become brittle in extreme cold, making them susceptible to breaking when opening or closing the box. This can create access issues for meter readers or repairs in the future.
Moisture Build-Up: Melting snow and freezing rain can seep into cracks or gaps around your meter box, leading to moisture build-up in and around the box. This moisture can cause corrosion of electrical components within the meter or damage the internal insulation, potentially leading to safety hazards or malfunctions.
Preventative Maintenance Tips
Now you know what can happen to your meter box during the winter, let’s discuss what steps you can take to lessen the chance of these faults occurring. After all, preventing faults is always cheaper than repairing faults, so review our three top tips on preventing meter box issues during winter below.
Inspect Your Meter Box: Before the arrival of cold weather, perform a visual inspection of your meter box. Look for any cracks, loose fittings or signs of rust. Also, ensure the drainage holes at the bottom of the box are clear to prevent water accumulation. We recommend regular inspection throughout the year anyway, but an inspection ahead of winter is especially important.
Insulate Exposed Pipes: If your meter box contains exposed water pipes, consider wrapping them with insulation sleeves to prevent freezing. Consult a qualified plumber for recommendations on appropriate insulation materials, but these can be found at very reasonable expense online and are easy to affix to your pipes.
Lubricate Hinges and Latches: Apply a light coat of silicone-based lubricant to the hinges and latches of your meter box. This will help prevent them from becoming stiff or brittle due to cold temperatures. Broken hinges are easy to fix thanks to the products available at Repair My Meter Box, but preventing them breaking in the first place is always a good idea. Find them in our repair kits and parts category.
Benefits of Weatherproof Meter Box Covers
Using a weatherproof meter box cover from Repair My Meter Box offers an additional layer of protection during winter that will help prevent the above issues from occurring. Our waterproof meter box covers receive amazing reviews from our customers and have a number of benefits all year round, but especially in the winter.
- Shields Against the Elements: A waterproof meter box cover acts as a barrier against snow, rain, sleet and wind. This helps prevent moisture build-up inside the box and protects the internal components from harsh weather conditions, which have been earlier outlined as potential meter box issues in the winter.
- Insulation Benefits: Our meter box covers are made from high-quality materials with insulating properties. This can provide additional protection against freezing temperatures, especially for exposed pipes inside the box.
- Durability and Longevity: Weatherproof meter box covers are typically constructed from strong and durable materials like metal or high-quality plastic. This ensures they can withstand the harshest winter conditions and last for years to come.
- Improved Aesthetics: Repair My Meter Box offers a variety of meter box cover designs that not only enhance protection but also add a touch of style to your property’s exterior. All our meter overboxes look significantly better than tired old meter boxes that have deteriorated over time.
In Summary
We have outlined in this guide some of the issues that meter boxes may face due to inclement weather during the winter months. By taking preventative measures and considering a weatherproof meter box cover from Repair My Meter Box, you can ensure your meter box survives the winter unscathed. This not only prevents costly repairs but also guarantees the uninterrupted flow of gas, water or electricity to your home which is vital throughout the cold season.
Browse our online meter box repair store today to find any spare parts or replacement meter boxes you may need ahead of the winter.