Up and Coming Weekly is a weekly publication in Fayetteville, NC and Fort Bragg, NC area offering local news, views, arts, entertainment and community event and business information.
Issue link: https://www.epageflip.net/i/262402
2 FEBRUARY 19-25, 2014 WWW.UPANDCOMINGWEEKLY.COM Pipes that freeze most frequently are those that are exposed to severe cold. These include outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprin- kler lines, and water supply pipes in unheated inte- rior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets. Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation are also subject to freezing. Prevent freezing of these water supply lines and pipes by following these rec- ommendations: • Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines • Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. • Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are located in unheated areas. Look in the basement, crawl space, attic, garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabi- nets. Both hot and cold water pipes in these areas should be insulated. • Consider installing specific products made to insulate water pipes like a "pipe sleeve" or installing UL-listed "heat tape," or similar mate- rials on exposed water pipes. • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. • When the weather is very cold outside, let the cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe - even at a trickle - helps prevent pipes from freezing. Preventing and Thawing Frozen Pipes To ensure top quality utility services, PWC conducts periodic maintenance and testing procedures. Here's what PWC water and sewer customers should know when projects are happening in their area. Water System Flushing Flushing our water system, which involves open- ing fire hydrants and letting water flow freely, is a vital measure to keep our distribution system "refreshed." Your water service should not be dis- rupted. However, you may notice discolored water. There are no health risks, but we recommend limit- ing activities (such as washing clothes) that may be affected by discoloration. If you notice discoloration at the tap, run water for 5-10 minutes. If it's not clear within 10 minutes, contact PWC. Smoke Testing of our Sewer System "Injecting" a non-toxic smoke tests for defects in our sewer system. The smoke is not harmful to humans, animals or plants and leaves no residue. If you notice traces of the gray-white smoke or its distinctive (not unpleasant) odor in your home/building, you could have a problem with plumbing fixtures associated with your sewer lines. These problems are the property owner's respon- sibility, and we recommend consulting a plumber. (If test smoke can enter your home, sewer gases/ odors may also be able to.) PWC notifies local fire departments during testing, as smoke alarms may go off. Water Main Relining Cleaning and relining older water mains improves the flow and helps assure constant water pressure in your home. (It's also essential for fire protec- tion). You may have seen blue above-ground lines running along the streets in some neighborhoods. These are areas where pipes are being relined. During this process, which lasts about 2-3 weeks at each location, water service is provided by temporary water lines running above-ground. Locations of monthly schedules of this maintenance are available on line at faypwc.com. Putting Quality Service to the Test Join PWC at the Carolina Home Show Feb. 22-23 Visit the PWC at the 2014 Carolina Home Show at the Crown Expo Center, February 22 & 23. The show hours are 10 am- 6 pm on Saturday and 10 am- 5 pm on Sunday. Admission is free. Visit the PWC booths and register to win prizes, including a free home efficiency audit, a high efficiency toilet and a credit on your PWC bill. Complimentary Compact Florescent Light bulbs, water saving kits and Dogwood Tree seedlings while sup- plies last. Don't miss Sunday's 3:30 pm seminar Plan. Plant. Protect - Smart Tree Planting Tips, presented by George Quigley; Attendees will receive free Dogwood tree seedling & plant- ing kit, compliments of Fayetteville PWC. Go to www.carolinahomeandgardenshow.com for more information. Stay Connected to PWC Be in the know with PWC! Stay up to date with all the latest news and information when you "like" PWC on Facebook, and "follow" PWC on Twitter! And look for your Hometown Utility on Pinterest for the coolest tips & latest trends in energy and water conservation! Get $75 Credit on Your PWC Bill Looking for ways to reduce your electricity bill? For $75, a PWC home efficiency auditor will check for areas of energy loss or waste during a thorough inspection of your home's features including: insulation, HVAC system, ductwork, windows, doors, and electrical appliances. As an added bonus, you'll receive a free energy efficiency kit courtesy of PWC, and if you make some or all of the recom- mended improvements, you can earn incentive bill credits ranging from $75 - $400! The HEAP Program ends March 14, 2014. For program details and application, visit www. faypwc.com/HEAP.aspx or call Customer Programs at 223-4600. PWC on the Air Join Host Wendy Riddle for Your PWC Connections anytime on PWC's website, or watch on Fay TV 7 (Time Warner Cable Government Access Channel 7).