The Town of Oakland weather forecast for the coming weekend and next week calls for low temperatures within the 20’s and below. The anticipation of extremely cold temperatures may have an effect on the Town’s water distribution system and may result in higher than normal water main failures. The Town of Oakland Water Department recommends that citizens and businesses consider leaving a small trickle of water running in a sink to avoid water line freezing. Most frozen water lines occur on service lines in and around residential homes and commercial buildings and are the responsibility of the property owners or occupant. If citizens experience low water pressure or see any water line failures, they are advised to call the Town’s water department at (301) 334-3836 immediately.
Additionally, here are some tips to help minimize damage to water pipes due to freezing temperatures:
- Let cold water drip from any faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipes-even at a trickle –helps prevent pipes from freezing.
- Wrap any exposed pipes with insulation to help protect from freezing weather. Pipe insulation can be purchased at your local hardware store.
- Keep garage doors closed, especially if there are water supply lines in the garage.
- Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around plumbing, especially if your sinks are on the exterior wall of your home.
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and night.
- For the long term, add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will help maintain higher temperatures in those areas during relatively cold weather snaps.
