EPWU Tips For Winterizing Homes

El Paso Water Utilities has a few winterizing tips for cold nights and for residents who will be leaving their home unattended while on holiday getaways.

"Cold or even freezing weather may not be the norm for El Paso, but it doesn't mean customers should avoid precautionary steps to protect their home and their pocketbook," said EPWU Vice President of Operations and Technical Services Alan Shubert.

Leaky pipes that go unnoticed can easily become a broken pipe, according to EPWU. In freezing temperatures, even pipes in good condition are vulnerable.
Ways to prevent pipes from breaking:

• Insulate exposed pipes and faucets outside and around your home, including those unheated areas like basements, garages, attics or crawl space.

• In severe cold, let cold water drip from faucets served by exposed pipes. Running a drip of water through the pipes helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water is above freezing.

• If a pipe does break, know where the water meter is and how to turn water off immediately to avoid further damage and waste water.

For those who will be away from their homes on vacation, turn off the water water at the meter, in case damage occurs.

• While away, ask someone to watch the home.

• When preparing for holiday dinners, oil from cooking can build up in pipes over time if thrown down the drain. This can cause severe line blockages and untreated sanitary waste to overflow from manholes onto the street, according to EPWU.

• Keep drains clear of fats, oils and grease.

• Wipe oil and food scraps from plates, pots and pans into the garbage before washing them.

• Use strainers in sink drains and place the contents into the garbage can.
  Never pour oil or grease into sink drains or toilets. Put used cooking oil in a sealed container and place the container in the garbage can.

Article Courtesy Of KFOX14: https://kfoxtv.com/news/local/epwu-tips-for-winterizing-homes