Warning: Frozen water lines are major problem this time of year

SEELEY LAKE - Numerous Seeley Lake residents, as well as residents in the neighboring towns, have experienced frozen water lines this winter. The Seeley Lake Water District is asking residents to be aware of the temperature of your water and take any necessary precautions. Even if you have never experienced a frozen line in the past, but especially if you have, or if someone in your neighborhood has a frozen service line, the best prevention is to trickle your water.

February had extended periods of subzero temperatures causing the frost to set deep into the ground. As the temperature warms the frost is driven deeper into the ground. At this point we are experiencing frost beneath roads and driveways four to six feet deep or more.

A frozen service line is not only extremely inconvenient but can be expensive to thaw. Also, there are a limited number of plumbers that have the equipment needed to thaw a water line. Added to this, thawed lines are more susceptible to freezing in the future, unless a steady stream of water is continuously run through the water line.

There are different areas of Seeley Lake where residents have experienced frozen water lines. We recommend everyone, even homeowners on private water systems, should trickle water to keep water lines from freezing!! What residents need to know and understand is that the likelihood of frozen water lines WILL INCREASE when the outside temperature rises and drives the frost further down into the ground.

The Seeley Lake Water District is recommending that residents take preventative measures to keep their water lines from freezing. While these are not guaranteed to prevent a frozen water line, they will substantially reduce the risk. Some recommendations are as follows:

Keep a stream of water flowing at all times. The best way to prevent a water service line from freezing is to keep the water moving or running. Turn a faucet on with a steady stream a little larger than a pencil width. This is effective to prevent freezing.

If at all possible do not plow or drive over the top of your water service line. A vehicle driving on a road or driveway pushes the frost deeper into the ground. If you know where your service line is you should try not to drive over it. Snow is a great insulator to stop frost.

Please try to do everything you can to keep your personal water safe. If you have questions about this please call the Vince Chappell at 210-3760.

Thank you! Keep the water flowing!

 

Reader Comments(0)