December 21, 2022 |
As a result of the pending weather impacts, Rawlins officials to urge citizens to take precautions to prevent their pipes from freezing. The advice is good for anyone.
The subzero temperatures have the potential to cause damage to uninsulated or under insulated water pipes. With temperatures dipping below minus 20 degrees, Mike O’Brien with the city’s water department recommends Carbon County residents ensure their pipes are properly protected.
O’Brien said the best protection for exposed pipes is heat tape. With this, an electrically heated wire is physically in contact with the pipes, preventing freezing. Residents should be able to find heat tape at their local hardware store. Most types of heat tape are self-regulating, increasing output when temperatures are low and shutting off when not needed. O’Brien said to check on your circuit breakers after installing the thermal protection.
Pictured: File photo of Cedar Street and Airport Road in Rawlins.
Photo by Cali O’Hare/Bigfoot 99.
O’Brien offered another solution in case someone is unable to purchase and install protection on their pipes before the temperature plummets. The Rawlins utilities supervisor suggested maintaining a constant trickle of cold water through your facets.
For those who rely on diesel heat to warm their homes, the extreme cold may cause the heating oil to freeze, blocking filters and starving the system of fuel. O’Brien said, with temperatures predicted to drop below minus 20, homeowners should consider an anti-gelling fuel additive.
O’Brien recommends people ensure their pipes are protected before the unseasonably cold weather arrives. If someone’s pipes freeze, they aren’t left with many options. The utilities division technician said trying to thaw your pipes during the sub-zero temperatures will put you in danger.
Being a former firefighter, O’Brien strongly recommends against unsupervised space heaters under your home. He said the wind could knock a heater down, making it a fire hazard.
With the recent water rate hikes in Rawlins, residents may balk at the idea of letting their water run. O’Brien acknowledged the added cost of protecting your pipes. The Rawlins utility supervisor said paying for extra water or electricity beats the alternative.
O’Brien added that residents should always be vigilant in protecting their pipes, even during typical winter weather. Rawlins public information officer, Mira Miller echoed O’Brien’s concerns.
To prevent catastrophic water line failures, Rawlins city officials are urging residents to protect their pipes against the forecasted dangerously low temperatures.
