It's coming: that winter deep freeze and first storm.  This means it's also time to take a few precautions to reduce the headaches it brings. One of the biggest problems to hit your home in the winter freeze is frozen pipes.  Last year, this proved to be a large problem all across Linn County.  I myself ran into it. Luckily nothing burst.  We want to make sure this problem doesn't hit you.  Not only is it a major inconvenience, it can also be quite costly.  For example, a frozen or broken water meter can cost you over $100 to replace, let alone how much water clean-up could cost if a pipe burst, or the cost to dig up your yard if underground lines freeze over.  So here's a couple helpful tips courtesy of CR Water Division:

  • Insulate water meters and water pipes that may be vulnerable to cold air drafts.
  • Use insulating wrap that contains fiberglass or other known insulating materials.
  • Ensure the basement or room containing the meter/pipes is secure from cold drafts from outside.  Meters and pipes near basement windows are particularly susceptible to freezing.
  • If you're going to be gone for an extended time, leave at least one faucet on with at least a slow drip.  This will keep the water in the pipes flowing.
  • If pipes do freeze, use rags soaked in hot water or a hair dryer to thaw them, but never an open flame, space heater, or heat tapes, as all could cause a fire.
  • If in doubt, contact a licensed plumber.
  • If your meter freezes or break, contact the Water Division immediately at 286-5900.

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