People urged to keep water thawed in service lines

Press release

Some warm air hit the region Sunday, but temperatures are expected to drop again this week and people are urged to be prepared.

The Havre government has put out one tip that can help people avoid some extreme hassle and expense.

Every winter, the Havre city government receives several reports of water service lines freezing during the cold weather.

In an effort to prevent the costly and sometimes futile expense to the homeowner attempting to thaw the frozen service line, the Havre water department has the following suggestions.

Even though a small additional cost to the homeowner may be involved, it is worthwhile to leave a small — pencil-sized — stream of water from an open faucet running at all times to prevent a service line freeze up.

It is also suggested that the main sewer vent pipe outlet, located on the roof of the house, be checked to ensure it is free of accumulations of ice and snow caused by high humidity and freezing temperatures.