As the city grapples with the icy grip of winter, residents are being reminded to take preemptive steps to safeguard their home plumbing systems. When the mercury drops and holds below freezing, the risk of pipes freezing and potentially bursting increases significantly, leading to the potential need for expensive repairs. The City of Loveland has issued guidelines to help prevent such unfortunate occurrences.
Residents are encouraged to "give pipes a helping hand" during cold spells, as reported by a recent article from the City of Loveland's official website. A simple yet effective measure is to keep cabinet doors open so that warmer air can circulate through the piping. Furthermore, it's advised to "keep water moving" by allowing a steady trickle from faucets, a small price to pay compared to the cost of mending a busted pipe.
However, should the unfortunate reality of frozen pipes strike, the steps to address the issue are critical. The Loveland article instructs residents to "shut off the water immediately" by turning off the main water valve. This is an essential first step, as thawing attempts should not commence until the water supply is secured.
When it comes to safely thawing pipes, the use of warm air is recommended. "Gently warm the frozen pipe using a hair dryer or space heater," says the guidance found on the City of Loveland's website. It emphatically warns against leaving heaters unattended and urges against the utilization of any open flames or kerosene heaters. After the thawing process, residents should be cautious to "turn water back on slowly," inspecting for any signs of cracks or leaks that might have occurred due to freezing.
