By Kimberly Gasuras

Tis the season for frozen and broken waterlines across the area which has led to several recent boil advisories in Bucyrus.

Mayor Jeff Reser said during Tuesday evening’s council meeting that there have been many waterline breaks in the city.

“The below-zero temperatures have caused several lines to break,” Reser said.

Reser said that anytime there is a break in a waterline, the EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) requires the city to issue a boil advisory for the affected area.

“The advisories are not due to an issue at the new water treatment plant. It is the number of waterline breaks we have been experiencing,” Reser said.

The most recent advisory is for the Highland Avenue, Fisher Street, Reid Street, and East Mansfield Street area.

In Galion, the police have received several calls from residents asking for their water service to be shut off as they handle broken and frozen pipes in their homes.

Reser also asked that residents keep their sidewalks clear for postal workers.

“I have seen a lot of people out shoveling but not everyone. We need to be respectful of our postal workers and their safety,” said Reser.

Reser said as the city remains in a deep-freeze, to check on neighbors.

“Especially elderly neighbors. Make sure they have enough food and things like that,” said Reser. “During these cold temperatures, we need to look out for each other.”

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

  • Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe

-even at a trickle

-helps prevent pipes from freezing.

  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55°F.

How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
  • Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
  • Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

SOURCE: The American Red Cross