Photo credit: Erie Water Works
With low temperatures persisting across the Erie region and the forecast showing frigid conditions continuing for the next few weeks, Erie Water Works reminds customers to take a few simple precautions to help prevent frozen or burst pipes and avoid costly damage.
Extended periods of cold weather put stress on plumbing systems. To help protect your home or business, Erie Water Works strongly encourages customers to:
Insulate exposed pipes and outdoor faucets, particularly those in unheated areas such as basements, crawl spaces, garages, and exterior walls.
Seal drafts near plumbing by closing gaps around windows, doors, and where pipes enter walls.
Allow warm air to circulate around pipes by opening kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors.
Let a small, pencil thin stream of water run from a faucet to keep your water service from freezing.
Erie Water Works encourages members of the community to assist local firefighters by keeping fire hydrants clear of snow and ice. When snow surrounds a fire hydrant or blocks access, it can delay emergency response and hinder firefighting efforts. Please clear snow within at least three feet of the hydrant and keep a clear path to the street to ensure quick access if needed.
These important actions will help keep our community safe and the water system reliable throughout the winter season.
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