What to do when pipes freeze

Illinois American Water encourages people to take precautions to the risk of freezing and bursting pipes.

<b>When temperatures are consistently at or below freezing:</b>• Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing.

• Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to higher room temperatures to help keep them from freezing.

• Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines by repairing broken windows, insulating walls, closing off crawl spaces and eliminating drafts near doors.

• Know the location of the main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately.

• Protect the pipes and water meter. Wrap exposed pipes with insulation or use electrical heat tracing wire; newspaper or fabric might also work. For outside meters, keep the lid to the meter pit closed tightly and let any snow that falls cover it. Snow acts as insulation, so do not disturb it.

<b>If pipes freeze:</b>• Shut off the water immediately. Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off.

• Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to a pipe. Use a hair dryer, space heater or hot water. Be sure not to leave space heaters unattended, and avoid the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.

• Once the pipes have thawed, turn the water back on slowly and check for cracks and leaks.

For more tips, visit illinoisamwater.com.

SOURCE: Illinois American Water