Toho Water Authority is reminding its customers that when temperatures reach levels of 32 degrees Fahrenheit and below one should take precautions to prevent water pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can break causing flooding and damage to your home.

Tips to prevent your pipes from freezing

Keep the heat on
Keep the thermostat in your home at a temperature above 50 degrees Fahrenheit during the cold spell. This should provide enough heat to keep the pipes warm and to prevent any water inside the home from freezing.

Allow a faucet to drip
Allowing a faucet to drip will prevent pressure from building up in the pipe which could cause it to break.

Cover any exposed pipes
Any exposed water pipes that are outside the home or in the garage should be properly insulated. They can be covered with pipe insulation foam to protect them against cold temperatures. Pipe insulation foam is available at home improvement stores.

If a pipe freezes
No water coming out
When turning on a faucet if there is only a slight trickle of water or no water coming out, the water pipe leading to the faucet may be frozen.

Frost on the pipe
For pipes that can be seen, such as those under sinks, may have frost accumulated on the exterior of the pipe. This can be a sign that the pipe is frozen.

Depending on the location of the pipe and your level of expertise, you can attempt to thaw the pipe yourself or contact a licensed plumber. Thawing out a water pipe should be done as soon as possible.