The City of South Bend would like to remind residents that with the return of bitterly cold temperatures, water pipes can freeze and burst, causing flooding and damage to homes. The Department of Public Works recommends the following tips to protect water pipes from freezing:
-Keep the heat on, even if you are leaving your home for a period of time. The thermostat can be set at a lower temperature, but should be kept above 50 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent freezing pipes.
-Keep interior doors and sink cabinets open to help keep the pipes warm when the heat is set at a lower temperature.
-Allow your faucet to drip. This can relieve pressure in the pipe to prevent it from bursting if it does freeze.
-Add insulation to pipes located in areas of the home that do not have good insulation.
Residents with questions are encouraged to call 311.
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