Due to extreme cold weather conditions forecasted for the Fond du Lac area this weekend and into next week, the Water Utility is encouraging customers to protect water pipes in their homes and businesses from breaking or freezing. Safeguard your property by taking a few simple precautions:
Assure the basement area temperature is above freezing.
Insulate pipes or faucets in unheated areas.
Utilize heat tape on pipes in crawl spaces and other unheated areas.
Seal off access doors, air vents, and cracks.
Open cabinets and closets that contain water lines to allow circulation of warm air.
Locate master shutoff valve, so water can quickly be turned off if a leak occurs.
Check empty and vacant buildings to ensure heat is maintained. If out of town, have a neighbor or relative periodically check the property. Significant frost or condensation on
windows maybe an indication a heating system has failed, and water may be running due to frozen/broken pipes.
Property owners are responsible to warm pipes in unheated locations of the dwelling and protect water meters from freezing. If the meter is damaged from freezing the owner may be responsible for the replacement cost. Care needs to be taken when thawing frozen pipes. Apply heat to the section of frozen pipe using an electric hair dryer, or by wrapping an electric heating pad around the pipe. Do not use a torch, kerosene or propane heater, or any open flame. If it is determined that the underground water line is frozen outside of the building, Water Utility personnel can attempt to thaw the pipe. Contact the Water Business Office at (920) 322-3680 weekdays between 7:00 AM and 3:30 PM. In the evening or weekends call the City Police Department non-emergency number, (920) 906-5555 and they will notify the Utility.
