Winter Weather Conditions Expected This Weekend

The National Weather Service has advised that adverse winter weather is expected over the next few days. Potential threats include snow, dangerous wind chill temperatures, low visibility, and overnight re-freezing of roadways. Please be weather aware and pay attention to local weather reports and National Weather Service reports.

Also, please prepare your home for any possible freezing temperatures. Some guidelines are provided below:

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

• Insulate exposed, exterior water supply lines and outdoor spigots.
• Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals out of the reach of children.
• When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• If you will be away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55 degrees F.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include pipes against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Reminder: Do not shut-off water at the meter

Residents are reminded that water meters are Town-owned equipment and must not be tampered with. Tampering includes turning the water on or off at the meter.

With freezing weather conditions, residents who are winterizing their homes should note the following:

• Do NOT shut off water at the meter.
• If water service needs to be turned off, it must be done at the home’s interior shut-off valve only.

Shutting water off at the meter may damage equipment, interfere with meter operation, and delay service restoration.

Please be safe!