With temperatures dipping below freezing in the area, the Greenville Water Works and Sewer Board is encouraging its customers to take steps to reduce plumbing issues due to frozen pipes.

Officials are suggesting that residents allow water lines susceptible to freezing to drip during the next 48 hours to reduce the chances of the pipes freezing.

Just a drip creates water flow that will considerably lower the risk of the pipe freezing.

Other ways to help prevent pipes from freezing include:

• 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.
• 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.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.

If you have any questions, please contact Water Works Superintendent Kris Findley at 525-0947. The Water Works and Sewer Board’s main office number is 382-6661. Its hours are 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.