News Flash Home
The original item was published from 1/19/2021 10:54:48 AM to 1/22/2021 10:05:04 AM.

News Flash

News Releases

Posted on: December 22, 2020

[ARCHIVED] Protecting Pipes in Freezing Weather

Cold, freezing weather can lead to frozen water pipes.  Here are some basic tips on how to prevent freezing pipes and what to do if pipes do freeze or burst. 

For outside plumbing, disconnect garden hoses, and use a molded foam cover, available at hardware stores, to protect the faucet.  If your home has a separate shut off for outside faucets, shut off the valve and drain the lines by turning on all outside faucets until the water stops.   Once drained turn the faucets back off. Drain in-ground sprinkler systems according to the manufacturer’s or installer’s instructions.

For inside plumbing, insulate pipes in unheated areas like your crawl space, attic, garage or basement.  Insulation materials may include insulating tape, molded pipe insulation or foam covers for foundation vents.  Open foundation vents are a common cause of frozen or burst pipes; just remember to remove the covers in the spring. Open cabinet doors below sinks in the kitchen and bathroom to allow pipes more heat in the walls behind or within the cabinets. Allow a small amount of water to flow at problem locations.   Only a small stream of water at a location in your home farthest from the street is required.  This movement of water prevents freezing, using cold water will save on your utility bills.

If your pipes freeze, do not use an open flame; heat the affected pipe with a hair dryer or heat lamp.  Do not leave the frozen pipe unattended.

If a pipe bursts, shut off the water inside your home at the shut off valve.  Most homes have a valve located near the water heater, or where the water enters the home. It is highly recommended that you know where this valve is or have one installed if you do not currently have one. 

If you do not have a shut off valve and water must be shut off at the street, contact the Public Works Department at (425) 670-8264 during business hours or (425) 407-3999 after hours and a non-emergency 911 operator will page our on-call Public Works crew member.

Repair of a pipe on the customer’s side of the water meter is the homeowner’s responsibility. Contacting a plumber if you are unable to make the repair yourself is recommended.

###

Facebook Twitter Email

Other News in News Releases

Meet City Manager Candidate Finalists

Posted on: February 22, 2023

City Proposes 2023-24 Budget for Review

Posted on: October 24, 2022

Tour de Terrace Returns July 22-24

Posted on: July 12, 2022

Library Exhibit Features MLT Artist

Posted on: April 1, 2022

Sign Up Soon for MLT Summer Camps

Posted on: March 4, 2022

City Offices to Close for Holiday

Posted on: February 17, 2022

City Council Selects 2022 Leadership

Posted on: January 4, 2022

City Offices to Close for Holidays

Posted on: December 20, 2021

City Seeks Input on Use of Pandemic Aid

Posted on: December 15, 2021

New Tree to Adorn Town Center Plaza

Posted on: November 23, 2021

Clear Storm Drains During Wet Weather

Posted on: October 21, 2021
Female Burglary Suspect

Police Seek Suspect in Mosque Burglary

Posted on: October 20, 2021

Pavilion, Pool Reopen Saturdays

Posted on: October 1, 2021

Ballinger Waterfront Work Continues

Posted on: September 30, 2021
Art show

MLT Lodging Tax Grants Available

Posted on: September 27, 2021
Swim Lesson Group in pool

Vouchers Available for Swim Lessons

Posted on: January 31, 2022