Water Pipes Bursting from Freezing Temperatures

FRAZIER PARK, CA (Tuesday, Jan. 17, 2012 at 12:58 p.m.)–Frazier Park Public Utility District (FPPUD) has reported that water customers’ pipes have burst due to recent freezing temperatures. The district is asking water customers to take steps to prevent damage to pipes.

To avoid possible frozen water lines during very cold weather periods, it is advisable to take some very simple precautionary measures.

If temperatures are forecast below 32 degrees:
1) Leave a faucet running. This faucet should be left running in a stream slightly smaller than the diameter of a pencil. This may result in a few dollars per month extra for using this water, but it is only during the cold periods and is a small price compared to the inconvenience of being without water or a costly plumbing repair due to frozen pipes that have burst. Be sure that the running water will drain properly, and not cause any damage in your home.

2) Use electrical heat tape for any outdoor exposed pipes and wrap with insulation to avoid wasting power. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions! Using insulation alone may not always be enough, so remember to leave a faucet running.
 

This is part of the January 13, 2012 online edition of The Mountain Enterprise.

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