20 Dec Tips to Avoid Frozen Water Pipes This Winter
Temperatures are dipping into the 20’s in our area the next few nights and OWASA wants its customers to be aware of the risks posed by frozen water pipes and steps you can take to prevent your pipes from freezing.
Water expands when it freezes, putting pressure on pipes and causing them to break. Water pipes most susceptible to freezing include:
- Pipes exposed to cold weather, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines and sprinkler lines.
- Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements, crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.
- Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little to no insulation.
There are several ways you can prevent frozen water pipes in your home or business. A few of those methods include:
- Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warmer air to circulate around the pipes.
- Keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night.
- When it is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet connected to exposed pipes. Even at a trickle, running water through the pipe can help prevent freezing.
- If you will be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home and set the temperature no lower than 55 degrees.
Follow these tips to prevent your water pipes from freezing this winter and keep your OWASA water flowing smoothly.