Experts share ways to keep your pipes, property safe amid freezing temperatures

PITTSBURGH — Freezing temperatures can pose risks within your home, particularly with your pipes.

This week, Pennsylvania American Water phoned and emailed customers to advise that they take precautions as temperatures are expected to soon dip into the single digits.

“Prevention is really key to keeping this from becoming a very expensive household problem,” said Jill King Greenwood, a company spokesperson.

First, she advises that residents have a small trickle of water running from all faucets, while opening up the cabinets below to allow warm air to hit your pipes.

“If you’re worried about the cost of having that trickling water, it’s so minimal,” she said. “A gallon of water is going to cost you about 2 cents, and the cost compared to having a plumber come in to repair those burst or frozen pipes is going to be pretty significant.”

For those who remain concerned about the cost of their water bill, the company does offer assistance programs.

King Greenwood said if your pipes freeze or burst, you should immediately shut off your water. You can attempt to thaw pipes yourself, using a hair dryer, space heater or hot water, but you should never use a torch or open flame.

Heat tape can also be used to thaw pipes, according to Samantha Post, Co-owner at T & M Hardware and Rental. We visited the Bellevue location on Thursday to check out helpful products.

To prevent pipes from freezing in the first place, you can also insulate them.

Post said there are two types that can be used. “There’s insulation kind of like what’s in your walls and you just wrap that around,” she said. “There’s also ones that look like pool noodles and they just slide on.”

We asked Post what other items people can pick up to protect their property from the extreme temperatures.

She recommends getting some extra insulation for your windows, as well.

“That will help keep some of that heat in, keep your bill down,” Post said. “And then another thing you want to be mindful of is, carbon monoxide has the opportunity to produce, with the usage you’re going to see out of your heaters.”

She recommends checking to make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working, and to purchase new ones if they aren’t.

When it comes to protecting the outside of your home, Post said rock salt isn’t so effective once temperatures dip down into the teens.

“So you want to make sure you’re using either an ice melter or calcium chloride on your sidewalks and porches and driveway,” she said. “Also, if you don’t have an ice pick, you may need one of those!”

Water company urging customers to prevent frozen pipes during bitter cold temperatures Water company urging customers to prevent frozen pipes during bitter cold temperatures

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