It’s officially winter! Temperatures are predicted to drop below freezing in Southwest Louisiana. There is a greater potential for water leaks and damage. Now is a good time to prepare your home to prevent frozen pipes and water damage. Kent LaBry, LUS Conservation Specialist, has these tips for protecting your home during extremely cold weather:

• Wrap exposed pipes outside and underneath home (if above ground) with insulation.
• Cover outdoor faucets.
• Protect any water pipes that run throughout the attic.
• Disconnect and drain any outside water hoses.
• Maintain a home temperature no lower than 55 degrees.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors under sinks, especially if along an outside wall, to allow heat to circulate around uninsulated pipes.
• If away from home, it is suggested to turn off water at the hand cut-off valve and drain pipes.

If you do experience a frozen pipe:

• Do not attempt to thaw pipes with a torch or flame.
• Thaw pipes with heat from a hair dryer or hot water. 
• Inspect pipes after thawing for any leaks.
• Monitor your home’s water usage after the freeze for the next 5 days with your LUS online account for signs of a possible leak at www.lus.org/MyAccount.
• If a pipe does burst, shut off the hand cut-off valve or call LUS at (337) 291-5740 if you need assistance locating the hand cut-off valve.

With temperatures below freezing, if you do experience a burst pipe or have water issues, please call LUS at (337) 291-5740. If you experience a power outage, please call LUS at (337) 291-5700.

Source: Lafayette Utilities System/Picture Pexels: Binyamin Mellish