How to Keep Your Pipes from Freezing

With the record setting low temps across the Western Slope, area water providers are encouraging you to take precautions to avoid frozen pipes!

Local providers have seen an increase in calls from customers with water problems due to the cold weather we've been receiving in Grand Junction.

According to my buddy Joe Burtard the Public Information Officer at Ute Water Conservancy District says, "The frost level has now exceeded three feet in depth in areas of the Grand Valley. The depth of the frost is causing residential waterlines and water meters to freeze, leaving customers without water,"

Some suggestions they offer:

• Close garage doors. Many water problems can be avoided by keeping the garage closed. Many homeowners leave garage doors open slightly for pets, but in this cold weather, you should keep pets indoors as well.
• Open the cabinet doors below sinks to let heated air from the room into that space, especially if water pipes are in outside walls.
• One of the most effective ways to prevent waterlines from freezing is to allow a reduced stream of water (just before a drippy faucet becomes a solid stream) to flow through faucets, particularly faucets on exterior walls. This is for the customer's plumbing protection and you must be aware that there will be additional water usage charges.
• Make sure that all heated areas, zones and plumbing are working properly.
• Install heat tape and insulation around exposed plumbing.
• It is really important that you properly mark your main shut-off valve. Knowing where this valve is located could save your home from costly damage due to a broken waterline.
• Customers should not forcefully heat their waterlines. Using a torch can cause additional stress on the waterline causing it to burst. It is best if they allow the lines to thaw naturally or by applying moderate heat, for example, heat tape or space heaters.
• The water providers request that if you do experience no water flow in your house, contact your water provider so a technician can be dispatched to investigate whether or not the meter is frozen.

Clifton Water's Assistant Manager Dave Reinertsen requests, "that the meter pits NOT be accessed by customers or plumbers as that can allow additional cold air into the pit which could then cause the meter to freeze,"

Joe also a member of the Drought Response Information Project, says, they "urge water conservation, but we recognize that in some instances such as a severe cold snap, you have to keep some water running to prevent frozen pipes."

Don't forget you can join us at 9:40 every other Monday for the DRIP tip of the week with Joe for an update on our current drought condition!