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With Winter Here, Now is a Good Time to Protect Those Pipes

Wrapping and insulation can help prevent freezing and bursting lines

Just a month ago, daytime highs reached an unseasonably warm 81 degrees. But since the new year ball dropped, it is safe to say that winter has arrived.

With frigid temperatures impacting the area, Clarksdale Public Utilities reminds everyone to check on their water pipes as they also protect people, pets and plants from the cold.

“Even though we already have experienced some freezing temps and precipitation during the last few weeks, it always is a good idea to make sure pipes are well-insulated and protected,” said Curtis D. Boschert, CPU general manager. “Taking a few minutes now to double check wrapping and insulation can help prevent problems later.”

Water pipes are more prone to freezing when the outside temperature reaches 20 degrees or below, but CPU suggests customers take precautions anytime temperatures are forecasted to dip below 32 degrees. Outdoor faucets and lines, pipes that run along exterior walls and those in basements, crawl spaces, attics or garages face increased risk.

Here are some helpful tips as you gear up for cold weather:

  • If you haven’t already done so, cover exposed pipes with insulation sleeves or wrapping to help protect them from the cold. A variety of products can be found at local plumbing supply stores, and outdoor faucet covers add additional protection from the elements.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer inside air to circulate around pipes, especially if they are located on an exterior wall.
  • To keep cold air outside where it belongs, use caulk or expandable foam to seal cracks and holes in walls where pipes are located.
  • Keep garage doors closed, especially if the garage contains water lines.
  • Let water trickle from a faucet served by exposed pipes. Just a slight drip can help prevent pipes from freezing.
  • If you plan to be away from home when temps dip below freezing, make sure you leave your heating system running. Keep the thermostat set at 55 degrees or above.
“Adding protective barriers to any exposed points is a good investment, and most can be purchased for less than the cost of a cup of coffee,” said Boschert. “That way, short-term freezes are less likely to burst your pipes, and potentially can save you thousands of dollars in damage.”

In addition, CPU recommends all customers locate their water shut-off valve in case a pipe does freeze and burst. The shut-off valve controls all the water flow into the home and knowing the location and how to turn it off in advance can save valuable time and prevent water damage

More news and announcements, as well as simple steps to help you save on heating bills, can be found on the CPU website.

Clarksdale Public Utilities is a municipally owned utility serving approximately 6,800 homes and businesses in Clarksdale, Mississippi. Its mission is to safely provide sustainable electric, water and wastewater services in a reliable and courteous manner by well-trained team members, committed to top quality, efficient operations, competitive rates and the vitality of the community.

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For more than 120 years, Clarksdale Public Utilities has supplied utility services that support our community’s growth, vibrance and quality of life. But we are more than a provider of reliable and affordable electric, water and wastewater services — we are your family, friends and neighbors. We are people who care. We are CPU.

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