As winter temperatures continue to drop, Edson residents may begin to get nervous about water pipes and plumbing. Experts say frozen pipes that burst or break, can cause expensive water damage to homes and properties. Officials say even a small tear in a water pipe can send hundreds of gallons of water each minute into your home. Given the fact that many homeowners take time over the winter holidays to travel, officials say it’s important to know what preventative measures you can take to winterize your home.
The town of Edson says the following tips can be used for protecting your property:
OUTSIDE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS
The water service or “lateral” is the pipe that connects a home or business to the Town’s municipal water supply. According to experts, under extended, severe weather conditions, the water pipe in the ground can freeze. Interior piping can also freeze when exposed to extended, cold temperatures in basements, cellars, crawl spaces, and similar locations.
Experts say a simple way customers can help avoid problems with frozen water services is to routinely run water from an interior, cold-water tap for about five minutes, two or three times each day, especially during periods when there is usually little water use. Officials say reduced pressure and/or discolored water may be signs the water service is starting to freeze. If those signs are noticed, residents are encouraged to run cold water until the pressure and water clarity return to normal. Another preventative action residents can take, is to run a small, continuous stream of cold water, about the diameter of a pencil, overnight and during extended periods when little or no water use is anticipated.
INSIDE YOUR HOME OR BUSINESS
According to experts, interior piping and the water meter inside homes and businesses can freeze and burst if they are not protected. Interior areas should be adequately heated to protect plumbing from freezing. Experts say openings to the outside must be closed and properly insulated to eliminate cold air entry. Similarly, repair broken windows, check doors, and insulate areas where cold air can leak in from the outside.
Residents are reminded to remove hoses from outside faucets, close the valves inside the house that control those faucets, and then open the taps until they run dry.
Officials recommend insulating meters and interior piping located near outside walls or foundations to prevent freezing. Residents can purchase inexpensive foam pipe covers at the hardware store and wrap pipes or plumbing to prevent heat loss inside the pipes. If insulation will not provide adequate protection, experts say to wrap pipes with heat tape or heat cables. These products plug into power outlets and generate heat to prevent freezing. Officials recommend purchasing products that are Underwriter Laboratory (UL) Listed or approved by a similar independent testing agency and installing these items following manufacturers’ instructions. Experts warn that unapproved or improperly installed products can cause fires and recommend residents inspect heat tape or cable for wear and replace when necessary.
WHAT TO DO WITH A HOUSE THAT WILL SIT VACANT FOR PART OR ALL OF WINTER
When away from home for a few days, officials recommend residents keep the thermostat set at 55 degrees or higher and arrange for a friend to check on the house periodically to make sure the heat stays on and there are no water-related or other issues. When extended stays away from home are planned, officials say residents should consider having the water shut off, the meter removed, and the interior plumbing drained and winterized by a licensed plumber.
HOW TO TELL IF YOUR PIPES ARE FROZEN
Officials say the test to tell if your pipes are frozen is simple: just turn on your faucet or flush the toilet. If no water comes out, and it is in the middle of winter, suspect a blockage of ice. Experts say to turn off the water at the main valve inside your home immediately (located at the water meter which is typically found in the basement). A hair dryer or portable heater can be used to try to thaw the frozen pipe but experts say to stay alert for potential electric shocks if standing water is present.
DO NOT TRY TO THAW A PIPE WITH A TORCH OR OPEN FLAME.
Experts say, always call a plumber right away if you aren’t sure where the blockage has occurred or if you suspect damage to the pipe.
OTHER IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Town residents are also asked to keep an eye on fire hydrants near their properties and help to make sure the hydrants are clear of snow so that they are accessible to the Fire Department in the event of a fire emergency.
Residents are encouraged to contact Edson Public Works at utilities@edson.ca or call 780-723-6461 with any questions.
