Winter Can Be a Difficult Time for Home Water Systems
Winter is just around the corner, bringing with it a number of obstacles to homeowners across Long Island. This is the most difficult time of year for water systems, and the Hicksville Water District (HWD) would like to remind residents of some things they can do to protect their systems during the next few months.
“Frozen pipes can be detrimental to your home and can cause thousands of dollars’ worth of damages,” said HWD Chairman Nicholas Brigandi. “We at the HWD would like to take the opportunity to remind residents of some steps they can take to prevent their pipes from freezing, saving significant amounts of money and trouble. Luckily, these steps are simple and require minimal effort on the part of homeowners.”
First off, residents should be sure to insulate their pipes, especially those carrying hot water. If pipes do freeze, use appliances such as hair dryers to provide slow, even heat coverage to defrost them. Avoid running water through those pipes to remove blockage, as this can often worsen the issue.
Outdoor appliances are especially at risk during the winter. Be sure to drain and turn off all outside water appliances, including sprinklers and faucets, to prevent freezing and breaks. Residents should also check their water meter pit cover to make sure that it is securely bolted down and intact with a waterproof seal.
For more tips on what you can do to protect your home water system this winter, visit www.hicksvillewater.org.
