Over the weekend, the National Weather Service reported temperatures as low as 15 degrees in some spots on the Plateau. Water expands when it is frozen, sometimes causing pipelines to burst. Given the current cold snap residents are facing, the city of Bonney Lake issued some helpful reminders about preventing and dealing with frozen pipes.
The Public Works department reminds homeowners that only licensed plumbers should be called to handle frozen or burst pipes.
To prevent plumbing catastrophes in freezing weather, Public Works directs residents to resources found on The Weather Channel, via the Institute for Business and Home Safety. Tips include:
• Lay pipes in heated spaces when building. Proper placement in new construction can help avoid the issue altogether.
• In some cases, a qualified plumber may re-route pipes out of attics, crawl spaces and uninsulated walls.
• Caulk all cracks and holes in the foundation and outside walls. Doing so will help protect pipes from the elements.
• Heated tapes and cables can sometimes be used, but should be done so carefully. Contact a qualified professional and carefully follow instructions.
• Keep cabinet doors open to allow warm air circulation.
• Let vulnerable faucets drip slightly to relieve excess pressure in closed pipes.
• Avoid turning the heat off completely when away from home.
• Drain the water system before leaving for an extended period of time. This can be done by shutting off the main valve and letting every faucet run until there is no more water supply. Close the fixtures and upon returning home, turn the main valve back on.
Some of these tips may seem counterintuitive to resource conservation, but a burst pipe and the damage that follows can be costly.
Homeowners may be billed for repairs if they inadvertently cause damage to the water meter while attempting to service it.
In the event of a frozen or leaking meter, please contact the Public Works Department during the business hours of 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 253-447-3101. After hours emergencies can be reported to the 24-hour dispatch center at 253-841-5538.
