ORLEANS — As an arctic blast moves in, the Orleans Town Water Department is reminding residents of the importance of taking preventive steps to avoid frozen pipes during the cold snap. With temperatures expected to drop significantly, frozen pipes can lead to costly repairs and disruptions to water service.
Here are several key recommendations to help protect your home and water system:
1. Keep Garage Doors Closed:
If your home has water supply lines running through the garage, keeping the garage doors closed during cold weather is essential. This simple measure can help prevent the pipes from becoming exposed to freezing temperatures.
2. Open Cabinet Doors:
In areas like kitchens and bathrooms, where pipes are often located in cabinets, it’s a good idea to open the cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate the plumbing. However, move any cleaning supplies, chemicals, or dangerous substances up out of children’s reach.
3. Let Faucets Drip:
On frigid days, letting the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes can help keep the water moving and reduce the risk of freezing. Even a tiny stream of water can make a difference.
4. Maintain a Consistent Thermostat Setting:
Keeping the thermostat at a consistent temperature day and night can prevent your home from dipping to dangerously low levels. While it may increase your heating bill slightly, it’s a small price to pay compared to the cost of dealing with burst pipes.
The Orleans Water Department advises that residents take these precautions seriously to avoid the inconvenience and cost of frozen pipes. If you suspect your pipes have frozen, addressing the issue as soon as possible is essential. Contact the Orleans Water Department during regular business hours for assistance or more information.
Stay warm, and take the steps to protect your plumbing from the cold.
