COLUMBUS, Ind. – Columbus City Utilities recommends that its customers take precautions to prevent their home water lines becoming frozen, as temperatures are forecast to drop into the single digits over the weekend.
Leaving no more than a pencil lead thickness of water running in the faucet furthest from the water source, or next to an outside wall can prevent pipes from freezing. Moving water is much less likely to freeze than water standing in a pipe.
Customers need to be particularly mindful in preventing their pipes from freezing during the winter months to help prevent disasters.
Leave snow covering the meter pit, as snow cover acts as an insulating barrier and can help prevent the meter from freezing.
It is against local code for anyone but utility personnel to work in meter pits and vaults, so customers should not open their pit or tamper with the valve inside. Without the proper tools, the valves can be fragile and any damage can be charged back to the customer.
Opening vanity and cabinet doors to expose pipes to the warmer inside temperatures can prevent freezing, as well as making sure all crawl space openings are closed or have an insulated opening. Use wrap insulation on pipes in unheated areas if possible.
If your pipes do freeze, call Columbus City Utilities at 812-372-8861 first. If the problem is in the meter pit, it will be thawed to restore service. If the problem is beyond the meter in the plumbing, it will be identified and you will then need to contact a plumber.
