(WAND) - Amid the freezing temperatures, it's important to take especially good care of the pipes at home.
Springfield City Water, Light and Power said to prevent frozen pipes, residents must ensure pipes that are exposed to cold air have proper insulation or heat tape around them and seal cracks or holes in outside walls and foundations near pipes.
Running hot and cold faucets at a drip will help relieve extreme pressure that can cause pipes to burst.
CWLP urges mobile home owners to check that heat tape is applied and working correctly.
Also, CWLP encourages residents not to lower their thermostats to 60 degrees or below if they leave home for long stretches and instead turn off the main water valve and drain the system.
If you have frozen pipes, you must determine which ones are impacted and how to thaw them, along with reaching out to a plumber.
According to CWLP, turn on all faucets if a pipe hasn't burst, as leaving them open slightly will help prevent them from breaking while thawing.
Those using electric heat tape, a hair dryer, or other electrical equipment to thaw pipes should never leave them unattended.
More information is available on CWLP's website.
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