Residents urged to take precautions to prevent frozen pipes

GRAND RAPIDS, me. – The city of Grand Rapids urges residents to take precautions to avoid frozen water pipes due to below average temperatures.

Frozen pipes can cause a loss of water supply and can break quickly and cause damage to buildings.

Water systems manager Wayne Jernberg said pipes next to an outside wall are most likely to freeze like pipes in your crawl space, unheated garage, or basement.

Here are some tips on how to prevent frozen pipes:

  • Open doors or access points and use a fan to blow warmer air from a heated area.
  • Hold a steady but slow drop of cold water to keep the water moving and less likely to freeze
  • Exposed pipes in areas with little or no heat should be wrapped or insulated or cordoned off and drained.
  • Protect your water meter

Make sure you know where your main shut-off valve is in the event of an emergency. It is usually located near where the water meter pipe enters the building.

If your plumbing freezes, Jernberg recommends that it is best to consult a licensed plumber.

Never try to thaw a frozen pipe with an open flame. A hair dryer or fan is a safer alternative.

If you have any questions about your water or have a water-related emergency, call 311 or 616-456-3000.

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