The cold weather is here, and Liberty Utilities, the area’s water supplier, has some tips for avoiding problems.
• Open cabinets in your kitchen and bathrooms to allow heated air to circulate around the water pipes.
• When temperatures fall below freezing, let indoor faucets drip slowly. A slow drip keeps water flowing and helps prevent it from freezing in the pipes.
• Know where your main water shut-off valve is located so it can be turned off in the event of an emergency.
Independent reporting for Pine Bluff & Jefferson County since 1879.
• If you suspect a leak, turn the water off at the main shut-off valve. If you drain your pipes, you must turn off the power to your water heater if it is electric and/or the gas supply line to the water heater.
• If your pipes do freeze, contact a professional plumber who may be able to thaw the pipes with warm air.
And don’t forget the pets, says the American Veterinary Association.
“Stay inside,” says the association. “Cats and dogs should be kept inside during cold weather. It’s a common belief that dogs and cats are more resistant than people to cold weather because of their fur, but it’s untrue. Like people, cats and dogs are susceptible to frostbite and hypothermia and generally should be kept inside. Longer-haired and thick-coated dog breeds, such as huskies and other dogs bred for colder climates, are more tolerant of cold weather; but no pet should be left outside for long periods in below-freezing weather.”