How to prevent your water pipes from freezing

As temperatures dropped into the 20s and 30s in parts of the county this week, the Templeton Community Services District has issued some tips that residents can use to keep pipes from freezing and bursting.

Pipes most at risk are those located against exterior walls, in unheated interior areas such as attics, or where water service enters a home through the foundation, according to the district. For future protection, district officials recommend relocating exposed pipes and/or adding insulation to attics, crawl spaces and around exterior pipes.

The district recommends:

▪ Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature day and night. You may incur a higher heating bill but could be preventing a costly repair.

▪ Suspect a frozen pipe if only a trickle comes out when you turn on a faucet.

▪ To thaw frozen pipes, apply heat to the frozen section of pipe using an electric heating pad, hair dryer, portable space heater or towels soaked in hot water.

▪ Keep the faucet open while treating the frozen area. As the ice begins to melt, water will begin to flow and will help liquefy the ice in the pipe.

▪ Check other faucets in your home — if one pipe freezes, so may others.

▪ If you can’t find or access the frozen area, or if you can’t thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

This story was originally published November 27, 2015 at 5:45 PM with the headline "How to prevent your water pipes from freezing."