As freezing temperatures are expected over the next several days and into the New Year, Tennessee American Water reminds its customers to take steps to prevent water damage from frozen and burst pipes as well as frozen meters.
“Extreme weather events like sub-freezing temperatures for an extended period can cause pipes in vulnerable areas to freeze, burst and result in costly damage,” said Tennessee American Water Director of Operations Kevin Kruchinski. “By taking the proper preventive steps, customers can avoid worrying about frozen pipes and making expensive repairs to damaged plumbing inside and outside of the home.”
Property owners are responsible for maintenance of the water service line from the meter to the house, as well as any in-home pipes. Tennessee American Water encourages residents to take the following precautions to reduce the risk of freezing and bursting pipes.
Tips to prevent frozen pipes:
Allow for a small drip of water. Run a small trickle of water overnight to keep pipes from freezing. Consider collecting the water for later use. The cost of a short-term trickle is much less than repairing a burst pipe.
Keep your pipes warm. Open cabinet doors to expose pipes to warmer room temperatures to help keep them from freezing.
Know how to shut off your water. Locate your main water shut-off valve. You may want to tag or label it so you do not have to search for it in an emergency. This is important to know in a non-emergency situation as well, like making a repair on a small leak on a toilet or sink.
Tips if your pipes do freeze:
Shut off the water immediately. Before attempting to thaw pipes, turn off the main shut-off valve.
Thaw pipes with warm air. You can melt the frozen water in the pipe by warming air around it with a hair dryer or space heater. Be sure not to leave the space heater unattended and avoid the use of kerosene or open flames.
Customers can learn more at www.tennesseeamwater.com or on our Facebook page or Twitter.
ABOUT TENNESSEE AMERICAN WATER
Tennessee American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water services to approximately 390,000 people in Tennessee and northern Georgia. American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. The company employs 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.tennesseeamwater.com.
