The Water Company relies on our users to notify us if they see running water along the ditches and fields. Especially when temperatures are below freezing. Just as your household lines can freeze and burst, flushing and fire hydrants that do not drain properly can split. Lids can be left open at the meter pits with the meters also freezing. Please notify us if you see water flowing in areas that should be dry.
Some tips for preventing and thawing frozen household waterlines:
Preventing Frozen Pipes
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55° F.
Thawing Frozen Pipes
• Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
