January 28, 2019 - The cold weather we're experiencing in Fort Wayne can cause issues for pipes in your house. Residents should take precautions to protect pipes during this cold spell.
Tips to protect your home and pipes:
Trickle a small stream of lukewarm water, about the diameter of a pencil lead, from a faucet in your home. The flow keeps water moving to prevent pipes from freezing.
Wrap pipes that run through unheated garages or crawl spaces to help prevent freezing. Use insulation tape and wrap it over the entire length of exposed pipe. You can also use molded flexible pipe sleeves.
Cover all valves, joints, etc. with insulating tape or fiberglass insulation.
If the home’s water meter is in an unheated garage, it should be protected with an insulated box, and the garage door should be kept closed to hold in as much warmth as possible. For water meters located outdoors in a pit, check to make sure the lid is not broken or missing.
Know where your master valve or a main water shut-off control is located that will allow you to turn off all the water coming into the house if you have a broken pipe. The valve is usually located in a spot near where the main water line enters the house. If a pipe breaks somewhere in the house, you can turn off the water at this main valve.
Open doors below sinks, especially if the sink is located against an exterior wall. Opening the cabinet doors will allow warm air to reach the pipes. Remember that drains can freeze, too. Residents may want to consider using a space heater to keep warm air circulating around drains and water pipes.