As the chill of winter inches closer, Janesville Water Utility is stepping up with some sage advice for residents to prevent the headache and potential costs of frozen water services. Direct from the utility's recent announcement, homeowners can take several proactive steps to ensure the smooth flow of their water throughout the frigid season.
Officials advise that outdoor hoses should be disconnected and drained, with any internal valves turned off to stave off freezing. Insulating pipes or faucets in unheated spaces is also a smart move. Materials for this purpose are readily available at local hardware or building supply stores. And don't overlook the simple act of keeping your basement heated. Sealing up drafts with closed windows and doors could make all the difference in preventing frozen pipes.
Janesville residents are further encouraged to keep a trickle of water running from faucets, as moving water is less likely to freeze. Though it may result in a slight uptick in the utility bill, the measure is preferable to the costly process of thawing a frozen service line, which starts at $250 as billed to the customer account per PCS rule 185.88, according to the guidelines issued by the utility. Importantly, the responsibility to maintain and, if necessary, replace a frozen meter, falls squarely on the shoulders of the property owner, even after the initial incident.
Those with water meters in crawl spaces or near exterior walls may need to provide additional sources of heat to stave off freezing. Even the simple act of keeping a cabinet door open can go a long way. Homeowners are also urged to familiarize themselves with the location and operation of their meter shut-off valves. Should issues arise, the Water Utility office remains open Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., and can be reached at (608) 755-3115 for further inquiries, as reported on their website.
