Missouri American Water shares tips to prepare property ahead of cold weather
ST. LOUIS, Mo. — As frigid temperatures settle in this weekend, Missouri American Water is reminding customers to prepare their homes and businesses for cold weather.
Winterizing your property can prevent costly repairs and unwanted stress from frozen water pipes.
“A little preparation goes a long way. Protecting your home’s plumbing now helps ensure reliable water service all winter. Locate your main shut-off valve, insulate exposed pipes, and stay alert to prevent costly damage,” said Jody Carlson, Vice President of Operations for Missouri American Water, in a news release. “Taking these simple steps helps prevent frozen pipes, protect your home or business, and keep water flowing safely all season.”
Missouri American Water recommends the following tips to help prepare your home:
- Locate your main water shut-off valve and test it
- Check sprinkler or irrigation systems
- Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines by insulating pipes
- Open cabinet doors to allow warmer temperatures to flow in around pipes
- Keep water moving through pipes with a small trickle of water
If you are away from home, set thermostats to at least 55 degrees to prevent freezing. Have a friend, relative or neighbor check your property regularly to ensure heat is working and pipes have not frozen. Freeze alarms will alert users if inside temperatures drop below 45 degrees.
If your pipes freeze, shut off the water immediately. Do not attempt to thaw pipes without turning off the main water shut-off valve. Thaw the pipe by warming the air around it, and once thawed, carefully turn the water back on and check joints for cracks or leaks.
For more information, visit https://www.amwater.com/moaw/Water-Wastewater-Information/cold-weather-protection.
