By the time you wake up on Friday morning, temperatures will be in the low teens, and the highs forecast for Friday aren’t expected to reach 20.
The forecast calls for sub-freezing temperatures through Christmas, and the Cobb County Water System has issued an alert on how to prevent your pipes from freezing or bursting during the cold snap of weather.
First, you’re advised to let faucets drip “because moving water freezes less quickly than standing water.”
You can save water by placing a container in a sink, tub or shower or wherever faucets are dripping, and use the water for plants or other purposes:
“The water does not need to be a warm temperature for this to work. The idea behind this method is not to melt already-frozen ice but to stop the water from freezing in the first place. And because the cold and hot water in your house is likely separated, it’s the cold water plumbing you need to worry about.”
Other preventative measures keeping kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to let warmer air circulate around the plumbing.
Also, keep your thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and at night. You may get a higher heating bill, “but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.”
If you’re leaving home during the cold weather, leave the heat on at home to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
Before the onset of cold weather, protect pipes that are outdoor or exposed from freezing by following these recommendations:
For outdoor pipes, drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines.
Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain.
Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
Also check around the house for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas, including the garage and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets.
To thaw out frozen pipes, consider the following:
“If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
“Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
“Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
“Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.”
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