As we're hitting the time of year when even Sunshine State residents might feel a chilly draft, Manatee County in Florida is putting out a reminder to its inhabitants: Don't let the cold wreak havoc on your plumbing, particularly your backflow prevention assembly. In a recent social media alert, county officials underscored the importance of keeping these units from freezing over, noting that a bit of frost could spell both a disruption in water service and a dip into your wallet for repairs.
"Freezing temperatures may be on the way, and exposed plumbing needs protection!" the county government warns via a Facebook post, so residents should take immediate action to insulate any plumbing that's out in the open and that includes covering your backflow preventer with foam, pool noodles, or blankets, you basically want to tuck them in just like you would with your outdoor flora when frost is on the forecast.
It also puts the onus squarely on the shoulders of the homeowner or property owner, reminding them that "protecting and repairing your backflow device is the responsibility of the customer." Manatee County Government has provided resources through its website—you can visit mymanatee.org/backflow for further details, and if you've got questions that the freeze-free fortifications for your pipes and backflow devices you can always drop a line to their Water Saver team at [email protected] for advice they're on standby, ready to lend an ear and a helping tip.
