January 14, 2009

Charlotte, NC -- BBRRR! Time to bundle up those water pipes to protect them from extreme cold.  With plummeting temperatures predicted late this week, Charlotte-Mecklenburg Utilities encourages customers to protect their plumbing in a home or business. Taking steps now can prevent burst water pipes and costly repairs later.

A complete list of tips is available at www.cmutilities.com, but some simple ones include:

• Insulating exposed pipes in unheated areas. Pipe wrapping material is available at your local hardware.
• Sealing any openings and air leaks in your crawl space or basement. Use cardboard, plastic or newspaper to seal air vents if necessary.
• Open doors on cabinets below sinks to allow warmer room air to circulate around plumbing at night.
• Disconnect garden hoses from outdoor spigots.
• Unplug automatic lawn sprinkler systems if you have one. Irrigation line breaks and sprinklers spraying onto sidewalks and roadways will quickly lead to serious public safety hazards.

Frozen pipes in Charlotte-Mecklenburg are typically infrequent unless temperatures dip far below freezing for extended periods. But forecasters have said that scenario is likely starting Thursday and running into the weekend. So be prepared!