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NEWS RELEASE

January 7, 2010

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Howard County Offers Tips on How to Keep Pipes from Freezing as Temperatures Dip

ELLICOTT CITY, MD – As our region continues to experience consecutive days of below-average temperatures with little relief in sight, Howard County’s Bureau of Utilities would like to offer residents some suggestions on how to avoid the damage that can be caused when water pipes freeze and burst.

“Winter weather can cause a variety of problems for homeowners, but one that can be easily avoided by taking a few simple precautions is frozen water pipes,” said Utility Bureau Chief Stephen Gerwin. “Even if you have managed to escape the mess, expense and inconvenience of frozen pipes in the past, this year’s successive days of cold weather and high winds may be the triggers to change your luck.”

Water pipes located on or next to an outside wall are often subjected to sub-freezing temperatures, as are pipes located in a garage or any other unheated building. To help combat this problem and reduce the probability of your pipes freezing, the County’s Bureau of Utilities recommends the following:

• Wrap or insulate exposed pipes susceptible to low temperatures
• Utilize other devices, such as heat tape, to help keep your exposed pipes from freezing
• Leave hot and cold water faucets dripping on very cold nights
• While some pipes, such as those located in cabinets, can be situated against an outside wall and may be insulated, the County suggests residents leave the cabinet doors open to allow the heat in the room to keep the pipes warm
• If going on an extended vacation, be sure to keep enough heat on in the residence to prevent pipes from freezing.

Also, to help keep County fire hydrants visible and to help prevent street flooding, residents are asked to shovel out fire hydrants in their neighborhood that are covered or obstructed by snow and to keep obstacles, such as snow, away from storm water runoff drains.

The Bureau also suggests residents:

• Turn off and drain any outside hose bibs
• Know where the main water cutoff valve is and know that it works
• Seal all air leaks that may let an icy blast reach the pipes
• For homes with crawl spaces, close all air vents located in the foundation wall during extremely cold temperatures to keep the exposed plumbing from freezing

If the unfortunate does happen and your pipes freeze, the Bureau recommends opening the cold water faucet nearest the frozen pipe to relieve the pressure. Once you have done so, use a gentle heat source, such as a light bulb or hair dryer to thaw the pipe; DO NOT use an open flame.

Residents are further reminded that if they lose all water service, they should first call the County’s Bureau of Utilities. On weekdays, during regular business hours, call 410-313-4900. After hours and on weekends, call Central Dispatch at 410-313-2929.