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Protect my Pipes
Frozen water lines cause major disruptions for homes and businesses. But there are some simple steps to avoid this threat.
Protecting Your Pipes Can Save You From Big Problems
Before Winter Arrives
- Insulate pipes in your home’s crawl space and attic. Exposed pipes in these areas are more susceptible to freezing.
- Close any openings with insulation or caulk that allow cold air to come in contact with the pipes. You can find air leaks particularly where there are vents, electric wiring and pipes.
- Heat tape can be used to further insulate pipes. Closely follow all manufacturers’ instructions if you plan to install the tape yourself. Otherwise, contact a licensed plumber to install it professionally.
- Disconnect any garden hoses. If possible, shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets.
Leaving Your House Over Winter
- Set your home’s thermostat no lower than 55°F.
- Have someone check on your house regularly to make sure everything is in order.
- Shut off and drain the water system in your house, and turn off your water heater.
When Your Pipes Freeze
If you turn on your faucets during the winter and nothing comes out, leave them on – your pipes may be frozen. You may contact us at 270-598-9926
to see if the problem lies on our side or if you need to call a licensed plumber. If you request us to visit your property to determine the source of the problem and we discover the problem is not on our side, you will be charged a $25 service fee during regular hours, $65 after hours. To learn what areas of the water line are your responsibility versus the water district’s see the picture below.
If you believe that your water pipes have frozen and burst, turn off the water through the main shut-off valve in the house. Make sure your household knows where the shut-off valve is and how to turn it on and off.
Never attempt to thaw frozen pipes by using a blow torch or open flame. Although it’s better to contact a licensed plumber, you may thaw parts of the water line by using a hair dryer. Start warming the pipe as close to the faucet as possible and work your way down. Do not use electrical appliances in the presence of standing water.
Preventing your water lines from freezing is essential. While it takes a licensed plumber to fix these problems, SCWD will work with you as best we can to help figure out where the problem lies, as well as how to fix it. Restoring frozen pipes can be costly; be aware that both plastic and copper pipes can freeze and burst.
Stay up-to-date with the latest weather alerts:
www.wbko.com or www.wnky.com