In anticipation of the impending extreme temperatures forecasted to start on Friday, January 12th, with lows well below freezing, the City of Hutchinson Public Works Department recommends the following to help prevent the risk of frozen pipes and potential water-related issues in residences.
Preventive Measures: To safeguard against frozen pipes within your home, consider the following tips:
· If pipes run through cabinets or vanities, open doors to allow warmer room temperatures to circulate.
· Maintain a small, steady trickle of water through the pipes. The minimal additional water cost is typically outweighed by the expenses associated with repairing a broken water pipe.
Dealing with Frozen Pipes: In the event that pipes within your home freeze, observe the following guidelines:
· Immediately shut off the water. Refrain from attempting to thaw pipes without first turning off the main shut-off valve.
· Safely thaw pipes using warm air. Use a hair dryer or a space heater to warm the air around the frozen section, ensuring constant supervision of space heaters and avoiding the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.
· Exercise caution when restoring water flow. After successfully thawing the pipes, gradually turn the water back on and inspect pipes and joints for any potential cracks or leaks caused by freezing.
For emergency assistance, the Water Division can be contacted at (620) 694-1900, responding to water emergencies 24 hours a day. Proactive measures taken now can lessen the risk of water-related disruptions during this extreme weather period.
Stay informed, stay prepared. Your cooperation is important to maintaining a reliable water supply during challenging weather conditions.
