Winter Haven Officials Issue Pipe Protection Guidelines

The City of Winter Haven Water Department has issued guidance for residents as freezing temperatures are expected over the upcoming weekend.

In a news release, the city urged residents to take proactive steps to protect water pipes and plumbing from potential freezing.

Key preventive measures recommended include:

• Insulate pipes: Wrap exposed outdoor water pipes with materials such as towels, heat tape, insulation, or newspaper to reduce freezing risk.
• Protect outdoor valves and spigots: Cover faucets and valves with commercial faucet covers (available at hardware stores) or improvise with towels or Styrofoam insulation. Disconnect and drain all garden hoses from outdoor spigots until the cold weather passes.
• Manage irrigation systems: Turn off automatic irrigation systems at the main control and drain them before freezing conditions arrive.
• Drip faucets: Allow indoor faucets to drip slowly to maintain water flow and prevent freezing. Capture dripped water for reuse, such as plant watering.
• Open cabinet doors: Leave cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks open to let warmer air circulate around pipes.
• Maintain home heat: Keep the thermostat set above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Locate shut-off valve: Ensure all household members know the location of the emergency water shut-off valve and keep it accessible.

If pipes do freeze, the department advised thawing them slowly using a hair dryer, heat lamp, or electric heating pad while keeping the faucet open to allow melting water to flow.

The Water Department encouraged residents to follow these precautions and share the information with others in the community to safeguard homes and personal property during the expected cold weather event.