Politics & Government
Tips To Avoid Pipes Freezing
And tips on what to do if you have frozen pipes, including knowing where the shutoff valve is and how to turn the water off.
The following are tips from the Massachusetts Emergency Management Agency, located in Framingham, on what to do to avoid your pipes from freezing and what to do if you find your pipes frozen:
- To keep pipes from freezing, wrap them in insulation or layers of newspapers, covering the newspapers with plastic to keep out moisture.
- Allow a trickle of warm water to run from a faucet that is farthest from your water meter or one that has frozen in the past. This will keep the water moving so that it cannot freeze.
- Learn how to shut off your water, if a pipe bursts. Know where the shut off valve is in your home or business.
- If pipes freeze, remove insulation, completely open all faucets and pour hot water over the pipes or wrap them with towels soaked in hot water, starting where they are most exposed to the cold. A hand-held hair dryer, used with caution, also works well.
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