Extreme cold temperatures can lead to frozen water service lines. To avoid service line freeze-ups, Roseville Public Works recommends that residents check the temperature of the cold water coming from their taps.
If the water temperature coming from a cold tap on the lowest level of your house is at or below 38°, a service line may be in danger of freezing up.
To lessen the possibility of a line freeze when cold-water temps are at or below 38°, the city recommends that residents run at a continuous stream of water about the size of a pencil lead from a faucet. This should be done until the cold-water temperature comes back above 38°.
The city will not give a discount for the water use and all water going through the water meter will be billed. The resulting cost for additional water use, however, will be small compared to the fee for thawing a frozen water service, which can run $300 or more.
Other tips for keeping the water flowing include:
• Leaving cupboard doors open under your kitchen sink and in bathrooms
• Keeping your furnace thermostat above 55°
• Wrapping foam insulation around pipes most susceptible to freezing
• Shutting off and draining pipes leading to outside faucets
Residents who are away from home for an extended period are encouraged to have a trusted relative or friend check on their home regularly.
For questions about freezing pipes or a list of thawing contractors, contact Roseville Public Works at 651-792-7004 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. If an issue arises after regular business hours, please call the city’s 24-hour non-emergency number at 651-767-0640.
