With winter approaching and snow in the forecast it might be time to start thinking of what you can do to prevent water lines from freezing in your home.
Freezing water lines are a reality for some Kimberley residents. The City of Kimberley recommends that you leave a tap running in your home if the water service line to your home has ever frozen, or you have noticed a reduced water flow in your home during the winter. Leave a tap running on cold, day and night, with a stream the size of a pencil.
“This will help to prevent your lines from freezing,” says the City of Kimberley website. “Since frost sinks deeper into the ground when air temperatures rise after a period of extreme cold, you will need to keep the water running 24/7 until mid-April to avoid having the line freeze.
The City encourages residents who have experienced frozen water service lines in the past to be pro-active by ensuring indoor lines are properly insulated, keeping a good snow cover over the ground above the service lines and installing a bleeder line system.
Sewer lines are also at risk of freezing. The City says that if you notice the water in your sink or bathtub draining slower than usual, to run hot water down the drain to see if flow improves. If it does, continue to run hot water down your drain several times a day until the weather changes and the cold snap has passed If hot water does not improve the flow, contact a plumber.