From the Feb. 11 Edition of the Waukesha Freeman:
Frozen laterals could cost homeowners thousands
By Sarah Pryor
Freeman Staff
WAUKESHA – The Waukesha Water Utility is urging customers to run a cold water tap on full blast for five minutes five times a day until further notice to avoid frozen laterals that could cost homeowners thousands of dollars out of pocket.
Waukesha Water Utility General Manager Dan Duchniak said it doesn’t matter what type of faucet it is, as long as it’s cold water and as long as it’s running at least five minutes five times a day.
“Cold water faucets should be used because running hot water is not as effective and also wastes energy,” Duchniak said in a press release. “Dead ends, cul de sacs and subdivisions with minimal development are the areas most susceptible to freezing laterals. ” Residents in some portions of the city have received notice that they should run their water continuously, and they should continue to do so until further notice.
“We are seeing water temperatures as low as 33 degrees in our water mains. At that temperature, it does not take long to freeze if the water is not moving. People need to turn over the water from the street to their houses, or else it can easily freeze in their laterals,” Duchniak said.
He also warned customers to watch for discolored or rusty water.
“That is an early sign of pipes freezing,” he said. “If you see that, run your cold water hard until the water clears.”
The first time a lateral freezes, the utility will repair without charge. If it freezes again, the property owner must pay the costs, which can be up to $5,000.
Duchniak said this is an unusual year.
“In the last week alone, the utility has had 42 frozen laterals reported. Normally, we see one or two a year,” he said. “The utility crews have done an outstanding job working long hours to ensure everyone has water service. They are very dedicated to their jobs and to our customers.”
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