Tips for Preventing Frozen Pipes

DULUTH, Minn. – As temperatures plunge into the negative single digits, officials have a word of caution to homeowners about frozen water pipes.Officials with Duluth Public Works and Utilities said some homeowners called early Monday morning saying their water wasn't running.To play it safe, check the temperature of your water.If it's below 38–degrees, you're urged to call public works at 218-730-4000.A busted pipe can be an expensive fix.Greg Guerrero with Duluth Public Works said, "A rough estimate is anywhere between $4,000 to $5,000, typically to do the excavation on the outside to make the repair from the water box to the home. Inside, it just depends upon how much damage is done."Without a blanket of snow to insulate the ground, the frost is expected to seep deeper.Last winter, the frost led to 113 water main breaks in the City of Duluth.