NEW ULM–Due the extreme cold forecasted area residents are warned of the risk of frozen water pipes.

The New Ulm Public Utilities and Steam Department said in a press release, the cold weather bring brings a chance of water pipes freezing and breaking. The risk increases with long stretches of extremely cold weather.

The press release included tips to avoid frozen pipes in the home.

*Since most water services enter the home in the basement, make sure the basement temperature is at least 55 degrees.

*Expose water pipes to warmer air by leaving cupboard doors open under the kitchen and bathroom sinks to allow heat to enter the space.

*Check for air leaks in the home that could freeze water pipes.

*Monitor the temperature of the home’s water by running the water in a sink closest to the water meter until the water is at its coldest temperature. The water temperature should be around 45 degrees in winter. If the temperature drops below 40 degrees, the service line may be starting to freeze.

*To prevent a service line from freezing, let the water run from a faucet at 1 quart per minute. This would be a pencil size flow of water. The press release said this is a flow of 5,400 gallons in one month and would cost about $42 for a month above your usual water/sewage usage. This is still less then the cost of a contractor thawing a frozen water service at a minimum of $400.

The risk of frozen water service lines will continue until the extreme cold passes and the temperature returns to normal.

If problems arise during the day, call the Water Department at (507)359-8279.

After 3:30 P.M. call (507)233-2129.