The cold weather can wreak havoc on your pipes and with weather expected to be extremely cold the next several days, many are concerned about freezing pipes.
Here is some advice provided by the City of Brentwood to prepare for the winter weather and tips on taking care of frozen pipes.
Take precautions before the weather drops to the predicted lows, such as:
“Wrap all exposed pipes located outside or in unheated areas of the home, remove garden hoses from outside faucets and insulate outside faucets with Styrofoam cover, rags or paper, cover vents around the foundation of your home, apply oil such as WD-40 to your water cut-off valve before operating to prevent the valve from breaking,” advises the City of Brentwood.
What if you’re not going to be home during the cold snap? The City of Brentwood suggests you take care of some tasks before you leave or ask someone to do them for you if you’re already out of town:
“Shut water off…in unheated garages, shut off water to washing machines, in sustained sub-freezing weather, let water drip slowly from inside faucets, take extra precautions to protect pipes that have frozen in the past.”
If you need help shutting your water off, consult your city’s water department.
Now, what to do if your pipes freeze?
Call a licensed plumber if a pipe freezes or breaks inside your home (or between the water meter and the home). However, if a pipe breaks or freezes outside (between the meter and the street), call your local office.
For the City of Brentwood, call 371-0080. If your need is after hours (anytime between 5p and 7a) call 371-0160
For the City of Franklin, call 794-4554. For after hours services, call 791-3260.
Stay up-to-date with our Weather Page.
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