Lake County Department of Utilities: 'Avoid winter water breaks'
Jan. 13—With winter conditions intensifying into January, the Lake County Department of Utilities is reminding residents to protect the water systems in and around their homes and businesses.
"There is never a good time for costly and inconvenient repairs," said Public Service Coordinator Patrick Stitts, noting water pipes most vulnerable to freezing are typically those in garages, crawl spaces, attics, and outside walls, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow outside air to flow across the pipes.
"You may not notice a water break right away while (a pipe is) frozen, but as temperatures rise, it will usually appear and cause damage," he added. "Pipes freeze based upon three reasons — a drastic drop in temperature, poor insulation or the thermostat being set too low."
Additionally, Stitts emphasized, common signs of frozen pipes include low flow or a trickle when a faucet is being utilized, unusual sounds, like clanging or gurgling, while operating faucets, and visible frost.
As the destruction is "largely preventable," homeowners, with due preparation, can help keep pipes from freezing during periods of extreme, prolonged cold by:
Outdoor freezing prevention
—Disconnecting and draining outdoor garden hoses
—Draining water from sprinkler supply lines
—Covering and insulating outside faucets.
Indoor freezing prevention
—Closing inside valves that supply outdoor spigots; opening outside spigot valves, allowing remaining water to drain
—Keeping garage doors closed if water supply lines are located inside
—Wrapping pipes in unheated areas with electric heating tape
—Allowing a trickle of water to run from faucets that have pipes located along exterior walls; the constant flow of water will help prevent water in the pipes from freezing.
"If a pipe bursts due to freezing water, the first step is to immediately shut off the water at the main shut-off valve," Stitts said. "Knowing the location of the valve, and making sure it is operable, is critical....this is also beneficial when water needs to be turned off during non-weather related emergencies. In the event of a broken pipe, the valve allows you to turn the water to your house off before any additional damage occurs.
"Once the water is shut off, use an electric hair dryer or portable space heater to help thaw the pipe," he added, stressing one should never use a blowtorch or other flammable devices.
For individuals who head south for the winter, Stitts recommends setting the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit, having a friend or neighbor check the house daily to make sure it is warm enough, or contacting the department to shut the water off on the street.
"This service is free and can save you peace of mind all season and only requires 24-hour notice for turning on and off," he said.
For more information, contact Patrick Stitts at Patrick.Stitts@LakeCountyOhio.gov or call 440-350-5766.
