Water System Advises Customers To Prevent Pipes From Freezing

Press release from the City of Grand Rapids:

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. – Due to below normal temperatures predicted over the course of this next week, the City of Grand Rapids Water System urges all residents and businesses to take precautions against the cold.

Water System Manager Wayne Jernberg warns that frozen pipes don’t just result in the loss of water supply but can also break quickly and cause costly damage to buildings and belongings. He says that pipes next to an outside wall are most susceptible to freezing, as are those located in crawl spaces, unheated garages, or a basement. 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.
• Temporarily open your faucet and keep a steady but slow drip of cold water. This will 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.
• The water meter, typically located in the basement, is the property owner’s responsibility to protect from freezing. A replacement fee will be charged for frozen or damaged meters.

Jernberg notes that the most important thing to know is where the main shut off valve is located inside your home or building.

“If a pipe breaks anywhere indoors, this valve will turn off the water,” he said. “Typically, it is located near the water meter where the water line enters the building. Locating and marking the valve will allow you to find it quickly in an emergency.”

If your water pipes do freeze, Jernberg recommends your best option is to contact a licensed plumber who can help you avoid possible damage when they thaw.

“If the pipes are frozen, they may also be broken or split, and your first priorities should be personal safety and protection of your property,” he said.

If you plan to do it yourself, NEVER attempt to thaw a pipe with a torch or open flame. A fan, hairdryer, or exhaust from a vacuum cleaner are safer alternatives, and be prepared to quickly turn your water off if necessary when the pipes thaw.

If you have questions about your water or have a water-related emergency, call 311 or 616-456-3000. For more information on our snow plowing operations, please download our Winter Preparedness Guide on the City’s website. CLICK HERE for the guide in English. HAGA CLIC AQUÍ para ver la guía en español.

This press release was produced by the City of Grand Rapids. The views expressed are the author's own.