Freezing Pipes

Well, we are having our first real cold spell this week.  The night time temperature has dropped below the freezing mark.  With the freezing weather comes frozen pipes.  Here are some tipes to keep you pipes from freezing and causing damage to your home or building.

For normal precautions:

• Insulate exposed pipes with heat tape,

newspapers or rags.

• Place a 60-watt light bulb close to the

water meter to keep it from freezing.

• If pipes are close to an exposed outside

wall, open the cabinet door to let room

heat in.

• Use a hair dryer or turn up the heat in your

home to 75 degrees to thaw a pipe; do not

use a torch.

• If a pipe bursts, shut off the main valve,

usually located near the meter.

• Be aware that leaks sometimes don’t show

up until a pipe thaws, when they can

cause extensive damage to plaster walls.

If you’ll be away for the winter:

• Drain pipes completely.

• Pour a cup of antifreeze into the draintraps,

toilet bowls and tanks.

• Make sure the main shut-off valve is

turned off.

• Open all faucets.

• Drain the hot water tank.