PENNSYLVANIA — As the mercury dips below freezing in the forecast, Aqua Pennsylvania is stepping up to guide residents on how to safeguard their water pipes from the chill. The utility company emphasizes that the risk of pipes freezing escalates when air temperatures remain below freezing for an extended period.
Aqua’s mission is to assist its customers in preventing the costly aftermath of frozen pipes. The company recommends several preventative actions before temperatures plunge:
- Stock up on heat tape and pipe insulation, along with a portable space heater and a hairdryer.
- Identify and visibly mark your home’s master water valve. Utilize this valve to shut off the water supply to the house if a pipe bursts.
- Ensure the lids on outdoor meter pits are intact and not missing.
- Turn off and drain any outdoor faucets, including those connected to lawn sprinkling systems.
- Add insulation, replace broken glass, and make other necessary repairs to prevent drafts in unheated spaces like basements or crawl spaces.
When temperatures drop below freezing, Aqua advises customers to take further precautions in any unheated areas of their homes:
- Use insulation material or heat tape to wrap pipes and indoor water meters. Portable space heaters can also help prevent exposed pipes in drafty areas from freezing.
- Install heat tape on the pipes under the kitchen sink or any other interior plumbing located on an outside wall. If there are no small children in the house, leave cabinet doors open to allow warm air to reach the pipes.
- If temperatures near 10°F or lower, consider letting a very thin stream of water run continuously from at least one tap—ideally the one furthest from the meter. This measure can help prevent pipes from freezing. The cost of the extra water usage is far less than the expense of fixing burst pipes.
- If a pipe does freeze and the frozen area can be located, switch on a spigot and use a hand-held hairdryer or heat tape to thaw it. If this doesn’t solve the problem, it’s time to call a licensed plumber.
With these tips from Aqua Pennsylvania, residents can better prepare for the frigid weather ahead and help prevent the inconvenience and expense of dealing with frozen pipes. For more information about frozen pipe prevention, visit AquaWater.com.
VIDEO: Frozen Pipes Prevention
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