City of Monroe, LA

01/12/24

 

 

(Monroe, LA) - The Monroe area will soon experience extremely cold

temperatures. Sustained cold temperatures and wind chill can cause

exposed water pipes to freeze and burst. Sometimes, the extent of the

damage won’t be obvious until the pipes thaw.

The City of Monroe Water System is encouraging a few simple practices to

help with pipe protection on upcoming days with extended freezing

temperatures.

Pipe areas to focus on are in attics, garages, and behind closed cabinet doors

where pipes are vulnerable due to the unheated interior space.

 

 

 

- Disconnect drain and garden hoses from water faucets; this will help

prevent the faucets from freezing

- Cover outside faucets with an insulating faucet cover

- If faucet covers cannot be found, wrap the faucet in T-shirts or rags,

cover the fabric insulation with some plastic bags and duct tape it into

place

- Insulate and/or heat tape any exposed water piping located outside

 

 

- Insulate any exposed piping under sinks and inside cabinets

- Seal or caulk cracks near piping that could allow cold air in from the

outside, such as dryer vents or water pipes

- Keep garage doors closed completely; this will keep cold air from

entering the house

- Open cabinet doors to allow heat from the house to circulate and keep

the pipes warm

- As a last resort, let the faucets drip; as water conservation is important

to the City of Monroe

 

 

One of the obvious signs that you have a frozen water pipe is when no water

comes out of your faucet when you turn it on.

The best course of action is to contact a plumber so the pipe can be safely

thawed and any ruptures repaired immediately.

If your water pipes rupture and water is entering the house, use your private

shutoff valve to turn off the water. If you do not have a private shutoff valve,

or if you cannot find it, call the City of Monroe Water Distribution Office for

an emergency turn-off at the meter.

 

 

 

The trucks operate using water to clear pipes. Therefore, these trucks cannot

be used when the temperature is below freezing.

The Sewer Department will stop responding to sewer stoppage calls when

the temperature drops below 32 degrees. Calls will be logged and will

receive service in the order that they are received once the temperature

warms up enough to prevent the trucks from freezing.

 

Thanks,

 

Emily Stogner

MEDIA RELATIONS DIRECTOR

Executive Department

cell: 318-372-7640

email: emily.stogner@ci.monroe.la.us