GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. — The City of Grand Rapids is urging residents to take precautions to avoid frozen water pipes due to below normal temperatures.
Frozen pipes can cause a loss of water supply and can break quickly causing damage to buildings.
Pipes next to an outside wall are most likely to freeze like the pipes found in your crawl space, unheated garage, or your basement, according to Water System Manager Wayne Jernberg.
Here are some tips on how to prevent frozen pipes:
- Open doors or access points and use a fan to blow warmer air in from a heated area.
- Keep a steady but slow drip of cold water to keep water moving and less likely to freeze
- Exposed pipes in areas with little or no heat should be wrapped or insulated or shut off and drained.
- Protect your water meter
Make sure to know where your main shut off valve is in case of an emergency. It can usually be found near where the water meter line enters the building.
If your water pipes do freeze, Jernberg recommends your best option is to contact a licensed plumber.
Never try and thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame. A hairdryer or fan is a safer alternative.
If you have questions about your water or have a water-related emergency, call 311 or 616-456-3000.
