Plumbing experience not required

Don't get left in the cold with frozen or broken water pipes. Besides creating a soggy mess, broken water pipes can put a strain on your wallet. Also, a reminder that water service lines inside and outside your business are the responsibility of the business or property owner. This includes the pipe connected from the water main (usually in the street) to and then through your business or residence.

Use these handy tips to avoid a wet winter inside your business.

• For around $2, you can pick up a six-foot piece of pipe insulation at your favorite hardware store. Not only is it relatively inexpensive, it’s easy to do. Simply measure, cut and pop the foam on your pipes.
• On extra cold days, open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors, especially if they are against an exterior wall. The air that heats your home will keep your pipes warm.
• In extreme temperatures, run a continuous stream of cold water, about the diameter of a pencil, from the faucet. Catch the water in a bucket and save for another purpose.
• Use caulk or insulation to seal leaks that allow cold air in near indoor pipes.

If a pipe freezes...

• Thaw it using a hair dryer, but do not use the dryer around standing water.
• Heat water on the stove, soak towels in the hot water and wrap them around cold sections of the pipes.
• When thawing a pipe, start thawing it nearest to the faucet. Make sure the faucet is turned on so that melted water can drip out.

If a pipe breaks...

• If it's indoors, turn off your water supply at the main valve.
• Contact a plumber to make repairs.
• Whether indoors or outdoors, service lines are the property owner's responsibility. We recommend you regularly have lines checked for blockages or aging.

When your home's alone...

• Taking a trip? Give a adjoining business or neighbor your contact information. He or she can call us to report anything unusual with your utilities, like water coming from your property or a downed power line in the yard. Crews can respond to shut off water or mitigate any damage outside the property.
• Set your thermostat at 55 degrees. Turning it off can lead to frozen or broken water pipes. Also, turn the water heater to its lowest setting.
• Turn off your indoor water supply at the valve. That way, if you do spring a leak, you limit the amount of water running through your home.