HOW TO AVOID FROZEN PIPES

As the weather turns colder, the Village of Peoria Heights would like to remind you of the importance of preparing for the cold weather. Please remember these tips as you are preparing and protecting your pipes this winter:

Prior to this winter:

Become familiar with the areas of your home such as basements and crawl spaces. Also be aware that unheated rooms and outside walls are particularly vulnerable to freezing.
Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines by insulating walls, fixing broken windows, closing off crawl spaces, and eliminating drafts near doors.
Locate your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately.
Protect your pipes and water meter by wrapping exposed pipes with insulation or an electrical pipe
heater. Newspaper and fabric may be used as well.
When the temperatures fall below zero:

Keep interior temperatures at or above 55°F.
Turn on sinks to allow a small trickle of water to continually run to keep the pipes from freezing. The extra
cost of the water is minimal compared to the cost to repair a broken pipe. Residents should consider
collecting that water to put to later use (watering plants, pets, cleaning, etc.)
Open cabinets and allow the pipes to be exposed to the warmer room temperatures.
If your pipes freeze:

Shut off the water immediately. Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off. Freezing can often cause unseen cracks in pipes or joints.
Apply heat to the frozen pipe by warming the air around it, or by applying heat directly to the pipe. Use a hair dryer, space heater, or hot water. Be sure not to leave space heaters unattended and avoid the use of kerosene heaters or open flames.
Turn the water back on slowly once the pipes have thawed, and check for cracks and leaks.
Stay Warm!
4901 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL 61616 P 309-686-2375 | F 309-686-2387 PeoriaHeights.org