(BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – December 2, 2008) The Birmingham Water Works Board (BWWB) is encouraging all of its customers to guard against the cold weather by protecting their pipes. Temperatures in metro Birmingham are expected to drop below freezing this week, which could cause major damage to water pipes.
When a pipe freezes and breaks, it can put a drain on your pocket book and even leave customers without water until the leak is repaired. If no one is home when the pipe thaws, the flooding and property damage could lead to additional inconvenience and repair costs. To avoid these issues, the BWWB reminds customers to be prepared. Customers can follow these tips to ensure that their pipes are protected when temperatures drop.
Preparing Your Pipes for Cold Weather Ahead of Time
• Know where your water shut offs are just in case pipes freeze.
• If the temperature drops below freezing, allow a slight drip from the facets.
• Use insulating materials to cover pipes in exposed or unheated areas.
• Drain and remove all outdoor hoses.
• Leave kitchen cabinet doors open.
• Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
• Close all foundation vents to minimize cold wind from blowing into your house.
• Shut off and drain in-ground sprinkler systems.
BWWB officials said that if customers’ pipes are damaged, they would need to call a plumber for repair.
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