Are Your Pipes Freezing?

The historical observation is that freeze-thaw cycles actually increase the likelihood of frost levels being pushed deeper underground. Which would explain the recent epidemic of water pipes freezing in town.

With the mercury forecasted to continue to rise during the afternoon and dip nightly into subzero territory here is some guidelines to prevent lines in your home and on your property from freezing up.

 

• Become familiar with where your water lines are located on your property.

• Disconnect all garden hoses and shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.

• Drain in-ground irrigation systems according to the manufacturer's instructions.

• Protect outside faucets and hose bibs with insulation or molded foam-insulating covers designed specifi  cally for that task and frequently found in hardware sections and stores.

• Seal leaks around pipes that allow cold air to seep inside.

• Insulate pipes near outer walls, in crawl spaces, basements, garages and/or attics to guard against freezing.

• Locate your home’s water shut-off valve and make sure it works, before it's ever needed in an emergency.

 

• Allow a trickle of water to drip at night from an indoor faucet, preferably one located along an exterior wall and/or farthest from where your water service connects with the main water line.

• Open cupboard doors under sinks in kitchens and bathrooms to allow more heat to reach water pipes.

• Vacationing? Have someone check your house to make sure the heat is still on and water is working properly. Or drain and shut off the water system, with the exception of indoor sprinkler systems.

 

• Please remember that you are responsible for protecting and repairing water pipes on your property from the water meter to your residence should any breaks occur. The city is responsible for maintaining and repairing the water meter and all lines past the meter connected to the main line.

• If you turn on your faucets and nothing comes out, leave the faucets turned on and call a plumber.

• NEVER try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame.

• NEVER tamper or access the water meter box. If damage to the meter or lines is caused by the homeowner, the City will be required to bill the property owner for those damages.