With the temperature lingering below freezing, water everywhere is turning to ice.
Dave Martin, water supervisor for the city of Fulton, warns it could happen inside your house, too. 'Tis the season for frozen pipes and, because water expands when frozen, burst pipes. He offered a few tips to prevent disaster.
"Where your water enters the home, make sure the pipe has insulation around it," he said.
According to the American Red Cross, the pipes most likely to freeze are outdoor ones, supply pipes in unheated areas such as garages and basements and pipes that run against exterior walls. Adding insulation to unheated areas can help. As a short-term solution, wrapping exposed pipes in a quarter-inch of newspaper will help.
Opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets will also help warm air circulate around plumbing, the Red Cross advises.
Martin said one simple tip reigns supreme, at least in the coldest conditions.
"Leave a little water to run, and the pipes won't freeze," he said.
This is especially important when the house is empty and overnight, he said. A bathroom tap or tub are good choices.
"It's an expense, but it costs less than the alternative - getting a plumber out for a burst pipe," Martin said.
If a pipe does freeze (symptoms include water barely trickling from the tap), the Red Cross says to heat it gently with an electric heating pad, hair dryer or portable space heater. Leave the tap open so thawed water can exit.
Martin added a pipe leak on East Fifth Street on Monday wasn't related to weather.
"A fitting came apart," he said. "That could happen in summer or winter."
Due to sub-freezing temperatures, the leak caused freezing water to cascade down the road. Whatever the cause, municipal water leaks should be reported to the city promptly.
Fulton utilities customers may call for help 8 a.m.-4 p.m. Monday through Friday. Call 573-592-3170 or Fulton City Hall at 573-592-3111. After hours, call the emergency line at 573-582-3180. In Holts Summit, call the Callaway County Water District at 573-896-4788.