Fort Scott Water Department offers tips to prevent frozen pipes at home

As the cold weather approaches, the City of Fort Scott Water Department offers a few tips to help prevent frozen water pipes in local homes.

* Eliminate drafts and repair any broken windows in basement and crawl spaces.

* Insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing.

* Disconnect garden hoses from outside hydrant.

* Open cabinet doors under sinks to allow air to circulate and prevent pipes from freezing.

* Letting a thin stream of water run from a faucet while experiencing sub-zero weather can keep pipes from freezing.

* Know where the master water valve is located to shut the water off should a line freeze and break.

The typical symptom of a frozen water line is that one or more of the water fixtures in a building or a residence will not provide water. If some faucets are dry and others still work, homeowners should contact a plumber to assist in thawing of the line. If all faucets in a residence or building are dry, homeowners should contact the Water Department for further checking.

For more information, contact the Water Department at (620) 223-8133 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday or call the Water Plant at (620) 223-5160 after 5 p.m.