ITS COLD OUTSIDE!!!!

Winter has arrived and it is cold outside, so lets keep it outside , ok.I have a few tips for keeping your pipes from freezing during this type of weather.


During Freezing Weather:

* Keep meter box lids closed
Do not open your meter box, as injuries can result from lids which are not properly secured. Also, cold air can freeze the meter. It you notice a meter box lid which is not properly secured, please call your water company and they will repair it.
* Make sure heat reaches your pipes
If your pipes are enclosed in a cabinet under the bathroom or kitchen sink, leave the doors open so heat can get in.
* Keep a trickle of water running
During periods of low usage and particularly on sub-zero nights, keep a trickle of water running from the faucet highest in the home. This trickle should be a steady stream the size of the lead in a pencil.

If You Have A Frozen Pipe:

* If you do not know the location of the problem, call Your Public Utilities
They will check to see if you have water available at the meter. If the water is frozen at the water meter, they will correct the problem. If not, the problem is in your household plumbing and it is your responsibility to correct it.
* Wait for the pipes to thaw
If you have some running water, the safest and cheapest thing to do is wait for the frozen pipes to thaw.
* Never use an open flame
Never try to thaw a pipe with a flame, because you may start a fire. I great tool for thawing a pipe is to take the lamp shade off a lamp and position the bulb about 1 inches from the frozen area, Bulbs emit a lot of heat and this will thaw the pipe.Never leave this lamp unattended!
* Call a plumberIf all else fails, call a plumber and get professional assistance.