Cold weather has arrived for our Trussville Gas & Water community. Now is the time to prepare for the coming winter. Take these steps to help prevent your water pipes from freezing.
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Pipes in attics, garages, crawlspaces and outside walls are vulnerable to freezing in cold weather. Burst pipes can cause thousands of dollars in water damage to your home. Take these steps to prevent water pipes from freezing and bursting.
- Fit accessible pipes in vulnerable areas with insulation sleeves or wrapping to help protect them from the cold.
- Seal cracks and holes in outside walls near water pipes with caulk or expandable foam to keep cold away.
- Add insulation to attics, crawlspaces and other unconditioned spaces that contain water pipes. It will help maintain higher temperatures, even in extremely cold weather.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors during cold weather to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, especially if the faucet is on an outside wall.
- If you are away from home during cold weather, leave your heating system running and set the temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Let water drip from faucets served by pipes running through unheated spaces. Even a trickle of running water can help prevent pipes from freezing.
- If you turn on a faucet during cold weather an only a trickle of water comes out, you may have a frozen pipe. Do not take any chances. Shut off the water at the main valve (usually located near the water meter) and contact a qualified plumber.
- Stay well and stay warm!