Tips for keeping your water lines safe when the weather turns frigid

Starting this weekend, the weather in Decorah will turn bitter, with at least two weeks of below-freezing temperatures.

Cold spells can cause serious problems like frozen water mains and bursting pipes.

Dale Elsbernd of Casper Plumbing and Heating says the pipes inside your home can freeze when the air temperature falls below 20°.  He shares the following suggestions to help keep pipes from freezing:

• Leave the thermostat set at a constant temperature day and night.
• Keep garage doors closed on an attached garage.
• Open cabinets under sinks, both in the kitchen and bathrooms.
• Let water drip from faucets on lines prone to freezing.
• Seal cracks or holes near pipes where they run through walls.
• Use heat tape if you suspect the pipes might freeze.
  

If your pipes do freeze, use a hair dryer or a heating pad to thaw them --  NEVER use an open flame!

"It's important to remember that frozen pipes can burst," says Elsbernd.  When in doubt, call a licensed plumber.