Tips to help prevent frozen pipes during cold weather

(COLUMBIA, MO) - With bitterly cold weather continuing in the Columbia area, now is the time to prevent your water pipes from becoming frozen. Frozen pipes can be an inconvenience, and they can turn into a big expense if a pipe breaks due to the water expanding as it freezes. In case a frozen pipe does break, make sure you know where the main water shut-off valve is located and it is working properly. Here are a few tips to help prevent frozen pipes:

• Leave a faucet run at a fast drip to a slight trickle. Moving water will transfer heat from the ground to the pipe helping to prevent it from freezing.
• If you have plumbing that runs through unheated areas, open cabinet doors under sinks to allow warm air to circulate.
• Temporarily keep the thermostat set at the same temperature during the day and night.
• If you will be away during very cold weather, leave the thermostat set at no lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit.
• If you live in a home with a crawl space, check that the access to your crawl space is secure. Animals such as raccoons or cats seek out warm places during cold spells, like the crawl space.
• If you have a garage attached to your home, keep your garage door closed. Many newer homes have a utility closet in the rear of the garage that is unheated.
• Check that the lid for your water meter pit is sealed. Sometimes the lid can be dislodged by traffic from lawn mowers etc. that allows the cold air direct contact with the meter.
• If there is water in one part of your home but not others your service line and meter are not frozen, rather a pipe under your home is.