Water company urging customers to prevent frozen pipes during bitter cold temperatures

PITTSBURGH — Bitter cold temperatures have water company urging customers to prevent frozen pipes.

With bitter-cold temperatures in the forecast, Pennsylvania American Water Company is alerting its customers to take precautions to prevent frozen pipes.

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The company sent out emails and made robocalls this weekend advising homeowners to take these necessary measures:

• Wrap exposed pipes with insulation and eliminate sources of cold air near any water lines.
• Allow a small trickle of water to run overnight to keep pipes from freezing. The cost of the water is minimal compared to repairing the damage from bursting pipes.
• Know the location of your main water shut-off valve. If a pipe freezes or bursts, shut the water off immediately.
• Do not attempt to thaw frozen pipes unless the water is shut off.
• To thaw pipes, apply heat from a hair dryer, space heater, or hot water.

The water company stresses not to use a torch or open flame.

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