Avoid the nightmare of frozen/burst domestic water lines!

You should be aware that the coldest air of the winter thus far will reach Broad Channel this  weekend with accompanying frigid temperatures.  Dangerous wind chills 10 to around 15 below zero are being forecast tonight into Monday morning.!

The cold air will be dangerous for those spending time outdoors not properly dressed.  In addition to to the dangers of frostbite and hypothermia, the magnitude of the approaching cold air can also cause unprotected domestic water lines to freeze and possibly burst.  

Back on January 24, 2011, JFK recorded a low temperature of 6 degrees Fahrenheit with 28 mph winds and a wind chill of -18 degrees.  There were dozens of Broad Channel residents who found that their domestic water system lines had frozen and then had to spend hours dealing with the problem of thawing the frozen lines and the possible expensive repair scenario of a burst water line!

There are a few common sense things we can all do to prevent the problem of freezing pipes from occurring again during this coming cold snap.

Most importantly, make sure you have an adequate supply of home heating fuel on hand prior to the arrival of the approaching cold air mass and maintain your thermostat at no lower than 65 degrees.

Allow your faucets to run slightly as a steady trickle. (Note: Make sure the entire family knows that you are dripping the faucet intentionally to avoid a family member from inadvertently shutting it off entirely.)

Open sink base cabinets and let warmer room air circulate through the interior of the cabinet.

Wrap the problem pipe with electrical heat tape.

Insulate the problem pipe(s) with foam insulation wrap, especially those that run through unheated spaces.

Temper any currently unheated crawlspace by placing a heater in the crawlspace. You only need to elevate the crawlspace temperature to modestly above freezing - about 40°F.

Make sure all outside water bibs are covered/insulated.

And don't forget to check on any of your elderly/disabled neighbors during this cold snap.

Stay Safe....Stay Warm