by Marquel Coaxum, Multimedia Coordinator
MOUNT PLEASANT, SC (Dec. 28, 2017) - Charleston County Government issued a winter weather advisory this afternoon due to the winter weather sweeping through the southeast overnight.
The advisory goes into effect from 11 tonight until 9 a.m. Friday morning. According to the National Weather Service, there's a slight chance for freezing rain so County officials are advising travelers to use caution on the roadways tonight through tomorrow morning.
In addition, Town of Mount Pleasant officials recommend several actions for residents to take to prepare their properties for the inclement weather.
“Water has a unique property and expands when it freezes,” said Edward Weston, Mount Pleasant Facilities and Grounds Division Chief. “We advise that you protect pipes that are exposed to cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets."
"Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing," Weston said. "During cold periods, staff will winterize vulnerable fixtures such as water fountains at Town facilities. Residents should bring drinking water for themselves and their furry friends when out enjoying our facilities, during cold snaps."
Billy Crocker, Mount Pleasant Infrastructure Maintenance Division Chief, recommends that residents and businesses turn off and winterize sprinkler systems to prevent creating icy spots on the roadway. These wet areas can be difficult to see and can create unintended hazards to traveling motorists. The freezing water can also speed up damage to the pavement, creating potholes.
Weston and Crocker suggested adopting the following tips from the American Red Cross:
Preventing Frozen Pipes - Winterizing
• Before the onset of cold weather, prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these recommendations:
• Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed. Antifreeze is environmentally harmful, and is dangerous to humans, pets, wildlife, and landscaping.
• Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
• Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated.
• Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," "heat cable," or similar materials on exposed water pipes. Newspaper can provide some degree of insulation and protection to exposed pipes – even ¼” of newspaper can provide significant protection in areas that usually do not have frequent or prolonged temperatures below freezing.
During Cold Weather, Take Preventative Action
• 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 suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much costlier 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.
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 cannot 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.
Future Protection
• Consider relocating exposed pipes to provide increased protection from freezing.
• Pipes can be relocated by a professional if the home is remodeled.
• Add insulation to attics, basements and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas.
• For more information, please contact a licensed plumber or building professional.
For more information on the Town of Mount Pleasant, visit our website at www.tompsc.com, like us on Facebook, follow us on Twitter, or download our app ConnectMP.