Drip, drip, drip

Despite warmup, local towns urge residents to let water drip from faucet to prevent frozen pipes

The Cities of Batavia, Geneva and St. Charles, and the Village of North Aurora are urging residents to let their water drip from one faucet in their home to prevent water pipes from freezing. 

While temperatures are beginning to warm up slightly, the winter’s bitterly cold temperatures have driven extremely heavy frost 3 to 4 feet deep into the ground. The frost has potential for freezing underground pipes, which can be problematic and difficult to thaw. 

Local public works departments have received calls from water customers regarding frozen pipes within their homes and businesses.  

To prevent water services from freezing, the water superintendents from each community are recommending running a constant stream of water, the size of a pencil lead, at one faucet in a home or business. 

A trickle of cold water could make the difference in keeping pipes from freezing. Residents also can open cabinet doors to allow heat to warm pipes under sinks and appliances near exterior walls. 

People may also want to consider keeping thermostats set at the same temperature during both the day and evening as opposed to allowing temperatures to drop while at work or overnight. 

The four communities will inform customers when the ground has thawed sufficiently to turn off their dripping faucets.For more information, customers can contact their local Water Divisions or Public Works Departments at: Batavia: 630-454-2450; Geneva: 630-232-1551; St. Charles: 630-377-4405; North Aurora: 630-897-8228. 

 

–News Bulletin news sources