The extended periods of cold weather this winter along with the lack of snow cover has resulted in deeper than normal frost depths. This has caused some water service lines to homes and businesses to freeze. If you notice that you have lower than normal flow or pressure, or no flow at all from your water service it is possible that you have a frozen water service line. Please reivew tips that can help you prevent or correct this problem.
1. Determine the location of the frozen pipe. This can be done by touching or by running your hand along accessible water pipes in the home while feeling for extremely cold spots. If a cold portion of pipe is encountered; thaw it gently, preferably using a hair dryer. Do not use a propane torch, as it could cause a rupture of the water line.
2. If you suspect the water line is starting to freeze, check the temperature of the water. Do this at the location near where the water enters the home. If the temperature is close to freezing, run a substantial amount of water until the temperature increases. This could take some time. Showering and washing extra loads of laundry will put the extra water to good use.
3. If you choose to leave the water trickling, be careful. Leaving the water running at a trickle can help prevent frozen water service lines. However, trickling water can sometimes lead to frozen sewer service lines. In the past, water and sewer lines were installed in close proximity of each other and often at the same depth. Trickling water in a sewer line can cool to the point of freezing if the sewer line is cold. This could lead to the sewer service freezing shut and causing a sewer backup.
4. If you choose to run the water at a trickle, it is advised to periodically turn the flow of water up to about a garden hose size stream for several minutes. The increased flow of water allows for a better exchange of heat between the water and water service line/ground and also allows the water to assist in heating the sewer system.
5. If the water service line does become frozen you should open one or two faucets. This will allow the ice to have room to expand without damaging any other piping.
6. Electrically heating water lines, using a welder, only works on metallic lines. It will not work if there is any plastic piping in the service line. Care should be taken, if using a welder, as they have been known to start fires. It has also been found that the use of welders can increase the speed at which cast iron or ductile iron lines corrode.
7. There are companies that have the ability to thaw frozen services with a re-circulating thawing unit.
Contact the Public Works Department (355-1700) to obtain more information.