American Water Offers Cold Weather Tips.Company Reminds Homeowners to Protect Their Pipes from Freezing VOORHEES, N.J. -- American Water, the largest water services provider in North America North America, third largest continent (1990 est. pop. 365,000,000), c.9,400,000 sq mi (24,346,000 sq km), the northern of the two continents of the Western Hemisphere. , reminds homeowners to be prepared for freezing winter temperatures and to act to prevent costly plumbing repairs. "Weatherproofing your home against the cold will pay dividends on energy bills in the winter and will also help protect your indoor plumbing against the threat of breaks. Seasonal homes are especially at risk during this time of the year. Homeowners should take every precaution to winterize win·ter·ize tr.v. win·ter·ized, win·ter·iz·ing, win·ter·iz·es To prepare or equip (an automobile or house, for example) for winter weather. win their property and perform preventative maintenance to indoor plumbing," said Stephen Schmitt, vice president of operational services for American Water. The company encourages its customers to take the following precautions precautions Infectious disease The constellation of activities intended to minimize exposure to an infectious agent; precautions imply that the isolation of an infected Pt is optional, but not mandatory. to reduce the risk of frozen pipes that can burst. * Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately. The main water valve is usually located along a basement wall next to the water meter, or where the water supply enters the building. * Know the areas in your home where water pipes are most vulnerable to freezing - crawl spaces crawl·space or crawl space n. A low or narrow space, such as one beneath the upper or lower story of a building, that gives workers access to plumbing or wiring equipment. Noun 1. , outside walls, outside faucets, unheated rooms, basements, garages or attics. * Eliminate sources of cold air near water lines. Make your basement airtight air·tight adj. 1. Impermeable by air. 2. Having no weak points; sound: an airtight excuse. airtight Adjective 1. by repairing broken windows, insulating walls and closing off crawl space vents and doors. * Protect your pipes. Wrap exposed water pipes with insulation or UL-listed heat tape. Newspaper or fabric may also work as temporary measures. * Drain water lines to outside faucets. Disconnect disconnect - SCSI reconnect garden hoses and, if practical, use an indoor valve to shut off and drain water from pipes leading to outside faucets. * Keep your thermostat thermostat, automatic device that regulates temperature in an enclosed area by controlling heating or refrigerating systems. It is commonly connected to one of these systems, turning it on or off in order to maintain a predetermined temperature. at 55 degrees or higher. If you plan to be away for an extended period of time, ask a neighbor or family member to check the house regularly. More cold weather tips can be found on the American Water website at www.amwater.com With headquarters in Voorhees, NJ, American Water employs approximately 7,000 who provide high quality water, wastewater, and other related services to more than 18 million people in 29 states and Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com. |
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