Don’t Let Old Man Winter Burst Your Pipes!
(2/1/11)
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Brrrr… winter weather has arrived in San Antonio! The weatherman is forecasting freezing temperatures this week, prompting San Antonio Water System to remind homeowners in our area about the dangers of water pipes freezing or bursting in cold temperatures. As ice begins to form, it expands and can possibly break the pipe.
"San Antonio is fortunate that we don’t experience freezing temperatures too often; however, it’s important to know what you can do to help protect your pipes from freezing or bursting," said Anne Hayden, SAWS Communications Manager. "Taking simple steps to invest a little time or money now can help prevent costly plumbing repairs."
The San Antonio area rarely experiences temperatures low enough to cause pipes to freeze or burst, so many homeowners are not aware of how you can help protect your pipes. Steps you can take include:
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Cover pipes with foam or fiberglass insulation sleeves, the thicker the better.
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In cases when there’s no internal heat, or of extended freezing temperatures, leave cabinet doors open under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow warmer room air to circulate around pipes.
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While not preferred, you can let faucets drip slowly to keep water flowing through the pipes. Ice might still form, but an open faucet allows water to escape.**
**(Note: If you choose this option, SAWS will not be able to credit your account for the excess water use.)
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