City offers tips on ways to avoid frozen pipes

As colder weather heads into the area, the city of Fort Scott Water Department is reminding homeowners to follow tips to prevent frozen water pipes.

Although the area has not yet experienced subzero temperatures, Fort Scott Public Utilities Director Richard Cook said people should start preparing now for the mercury to drop and begin taking steps to prevent frozen pipes.

"In my opinion, I would do it now," he said. "Pipes can freeze at this temperature."

Temperatures for Fort Scott are predicted to be in the teens through Friday and back up in the 20s through Monday, according to forecasts.

Making people aware of steps they can take to safeguard against frozen pipes is a proactive action that can save possibly thousands of dollars in repairs.

"Don't wait until it's too late," Cook said. "We could get a cold spell to come through just overnight now. Stay ahead of the game before that happens.

"People can be gone for a weekend, and their pipes can freeze and break and ruin a lot of stuff," Cook added.

The city recommends homeowners eliminate drafts and repair any broken windows in basement and crawl spaces. They should insulate pipes that are most susceptible to freezing. Disconnect garden hoses from outside water 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 subzero weather can keep pipes from freezing. Homeowners should also know where the master water valve is located in the home so the water can be shut 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 homeowner should contact a plumber of their choice to assist in thawing the line. If all faucets are dry, the customer should contact the water department for further checking.

If a frozen pipe is detected, homeowners can attempt to thaw the frozen section of pipe, if they choose, by using an electric hair dryer, portable space heater or a heat gun that is used to strip paint. They should not use any open flame device such as a propane heater or blowtorch, Cook said.

Cook said he personally uses pipe insulation, a round tube that can be purchased for the right size of pipe at any local hardware store and is "really cheap and works really well."

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