Asheville Prepares for Cold Weather: Tips for Keeping Your Pipes Safe
Hey Asheville residents! As we brace ourselves for a chilly weekend ahead with temperatures dipping below freezing, it’s time to think about something that often gets overlooked – frozen pipes. Yes, those pesky water pipes in our homes can become a real headache if we don’t take the right precautions. Luckily, the City of Asheville has some handy tips for us to keep our piped friends flowing this winter!
Simple Steps to Prevent Frozen Pipes
Here’s the deal: when the temperature starts to plummet, the risk of frozen pipes skyrockets. But don’t worry, with a few straightforward actions, you can protect your home from potential damage. Let’s dive into some proactive steps:
- Disconnect and Drain Garden Hoses: Don’t forget to remove those garden hoses from outdoor faucets. After detaching them, be sure to drain any remaining water to prevent freezing.
- Keep Garage Doors Closed: If you have any water supply lines in your garage, make sure to keep those garage doors closed! It will help keep the area warmer.
- Open Cabinet Doors: Open up those kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors! Letting warm air circulate around the plumbing helps to prevent freezing.
- Know Your Valves: It’s super helpful to know where your main water valve and your water heater valve are located. In an emergency, this can save you a ton of trouble!
- Insulate Pipes: Wrap any exposed pipes that are near exterior walls or located in crawl spaces with insulation or heating tape.
- Consistent Thermostat Settings: Keep your thermostat at the same temperature day and night. Yes, it might mean a higher heating bill, but it can save you from costly repairs later on.
- Close Those Windows: Make sure to close any windows near water pipes to block those chilly drafts that can lead to frozen pipes.
- Let It Drip: During really cold weather, letting your cold water tap run at a trickle keeps the water in the pipes moving, reducing the risk of freezing.
Community Care Stations and Water Distribution Updates
- Morgan Hill Baptist Church: 594 Barnardsville Highway
- Bethel United Methodist: 1050 Riceville Road
- Owen Pool: 117 Stone Drive in Swannanoa
- Fairview Ingles: 225 Charlotte Highway by Reynolds High
Storm Debris Collection Continues
In case you didn’t know, the City of Asheville’s storm debris collection contractor has been hard at work! As of November 27, they’ve collected an impressive 133,896.5 cubic yards of storm debris. They’re continuously rotating throughout the city to tackle areas with a lot of storm remnants. Remember, if you have storm debris outside your home, try to avoid parking in front of it, so the trucks can easily access it!
Join the Conversation!
As we navigate these chilly challenges together as a community, your voice matters. The comments section is open for discussion, so feel free to share your tips or experiences! Just a reminder – let’s keep the conversation respectful and constructive. The goal is to create a space where everyone feels comfortable joining in.
Take care of yourselves and your homes, Asheville! Stay warm and be proactive in these upcoming cold days!
