Winter Weather Advisory: Take Steps to Prevent Frozen Water Lines

The National Weather Service is forecasting extremely cold temperatures over the next ten days, with a low below 10 degrees expected on Saturday and Sunday Nights. City of Norman crews are pre-treating bridges and major intersections on the primary and secondary routes and will continue operations as needed throughout the week. Residents are asked to stay 200 feet back from clearing equipment, dress warmly and check road conditions before traveling.

 

The City of Norman also advises residents to prepare for the low temperatures and offers tips to prevent frozen water lines:

  • Make sure no pipes are exposed to outside temperatures. Pipes that freeze most often are exposed to severe cold, such as outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines. These areas can be protected by pipe insulation designed for this specific purpose. This can be found at most hardware stores. 
  • Leave interior cupboard doors under sinks open. This is especially important if the water pipes are adjacent to an exterior wall. This will allow heat from the room to reach the pipes.
  • Let a thin stream of cold water run from a faucet. The stream should be a continuous flow about the thickness of a pencil. An unheated interior area such as a basement, attic, or crawl space can freeze without activity. The flow of water will help prevent these areas from freezing. If the pipes in these areas are exposed, it is a good idea to insulate the pipes. 
  • Determine where the water shut-off valve is in the house and how to use it if the pipes burst due to freezing. This may help prevent flooding once the water thaws.
  • If residents are experiencing flooding and cannot get the water supply turned off, call the City of Norman Line Maintenance Division to turn the water off at the meter. 
  • To contact Line Maintenance between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, call 329-0703. After hours and weekends, call Police Dispatch 321-1600.