January 17, 2008

Cold temperatures put water lines at risk

By LOU PENDLETON

With weather forecasters predicting single-digit temperatures this weekend, the Bryan Water Department would like to encourage residents to take precautions to help protect their water lines from freezing.

“The single most important thing to do to prevent frozen pipes is to let the water run about a pencil width stream,” advised Norm Echler, Bryan water superintendent, “especially if your pipes have a history of freezing.”

Echler recommended residents to take three steps to keep their pipes from freezing: seal crawl spaces, keep heat in the house, and run a small stream in an inside faucet to keep the water moving through the pipes.

If your pipes freeze despite these precautions, do not try to thaw them with a torch. If you encounter a burst pipe, be aware of standing water and electrical wires; an electrocution hazard may be present.

The Bryan Water Department cannot work on private service lines or plumbing. Homeowners will need to call a licensed plumber. Call the water department, 419-633-6100, if you need to have the water shut off at the curb. Only Bryan Municipal Utilities employees are authorized to enter a meter pit. The water department will also check to make sure the meter is not frozen.

If you are not sure what to do, call the Bryan Water Department, 419-633-6100 during regular business hours and 419-633-6150 after hours.

For more tips on preventing frozen water lines, Click Here