As the frost of winter settles in, the City of Lawrence, Indiana, is reaching out to residents with pragmatic advice on how to keep their pipes from falling victim to the freezing temperatures, and it's essential for homeowners looking to avoid the headache and expense of burst pipes. In a recent social media post, Lawrence Utilities shared straightforward guidance on precautions that individuals can take to protect their homes as thermometers plunge.
The post emphasizes six key strategies for residents, suggesting they start by getting acquainted with their main shutoff valve—knowledge that could be crucial in halting water flow during a pipe-related emergency, with the caveat that everyone in the household should be privy to its location and operation. Furthermore, it expounds on the importance of allowing warm air to circulate by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets which can help in warming pipes that are routed along colder exterior walls, this strategy is simple yet effective in staving off the ice.
Lawrence Utilities goes on to suggest that insulating and sealing are critical measures, with actions such as closing crawlspace vents and securing basement windows against the cold, a move designed to combat the chill that seeks to seep in through every crevice and corner. Another tip includes keeping garage doors shut to retain heat if plumbing is present, while those facing the sharpest of cold spells might want to consider insulated heating tape for metal pipes to give them a fighting chance against the freeze.
One irrefutable piece of advice stands out, that residents should never turn off their heating systems during the winter months keeping thermostats set to a steady 55°F at the very least, even when the home stands empty, because an unheated space is a welcome mat for the icy grip of bursting pipes. When unsure methods seem insufficient, Lawrence Utilities encourages reaching out to their Business Office for those needing support or grappling with concerns through the frost-bitten winter.
Should Lawrence residents find themselves in need of further assistance, they can contact Lawrence Utilities Business Office at (317) 542-0511. For more details and to read the original tips in their entirety, interested parties can visit the City of Lawrence, Indiana – Government's Facebook post.
