City offers tips to prevent frozen pipes

The Fort Scott Water Department would like to remind citizens of a few tips to help prevent frozen water pipes in residents' homes. They include:

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

* Insulate pipes most susceptible to freezing.

* Disconnect garden hoses from outside hydrants.

* 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 in your home. This will allow you 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 residence will not provide water.

If some faucets are dry and others still work, the customer should contact a plumber of their choice to assist in thawing the line.

If all faucets in a residence or building are dry, the customer should contact the water department for further checking.

The water department can be reached at (620) 223-8133 from 8 a.m.-5 p.m. and after hours at (620) 223-5160.