Ice may be nice, but not in pipes

  • Published
  • By Air Force Tech Sgt. Raymond Mills
  • JBER Public Affairs
JOINT BASE ELMENDORF-RICHARDSON, Alaska --  The winter season is rapidly approaching and Joint Base Elmendorf-Richardson personnel are reminded to take necessary precautions to ensure their offices and home are prepared for winter conditions.

According to Weather.com the average temperature for Anchorage during the month of October is 28 degrees, becoming colder through January. Due to freezing temperatures, maintenance issues with plumbing and heating may arise.  

Preparing and maintaining facilities during winter months is a concerted effort by military and civilian engineers.

"All commercial buildings on JBER are maintained by engineers," said Tech. Sgt. Murray Carter, 773d Civil Engineer Squadron noncommissioned officer in charge of exterior utilities. "We are currently starting the winterization process and should be completed by the end of December."

In addition to preparing of military facilities, homes should be inspected to ensure they are ready for winter weather.

When it gets very cold, pipes can easily freeze - and may burst. But there are preventive measures any homeowner can take.

Insulate pipes in unheated areas like crawl spaces and attics; foam pipe wraps are available in any hardware department or hardware store. Seal any gaps that will let cold air into those spaces with insulation or caulk.

If pipes are accessible through cabinetry or closets, leave the door open so heat can circulate through the area.

Keep the thermostat set to at least 55 degrees, and keep the garage door closed if the water supply is inside.

A frozen pipe bursts not because of the ice itself, but because of the water pressure between the closed faucet and the ice blockage.

So in very cold weather, occupants should leave at least one faucet trickling (from both hot and cold) to prevent pressure buildup.

If you turn on a faucet and have no water (or only a trickle), you may have frozen pipes. Turn off the main valve, leave the faucet on, and warm the pipe with a hair dryer or hot towels. Never use open flame, like a blowtorch.

For people living on base, Aurora Military Housing recommends reviewing the handbook, which details steps to make sure your home stays warm and dry.
"Inhabitants should familiarize themselves with all winter season and snow-removal responsibilities listed in the handbook," said Rachael Hodgson, general manager of Aurora Military Housing. "Handbooks are available on our website at auroramilitaryhousing.com or at the Aurora Military Housing Office."

Residents are reminded to disconnect garden hoses from spigots, as well as pick up their free spigot covers at the U-Fix-It office. By ensuring plumbing is properly protected, they can avoid damage from freezing conditions.

"Residents are responsible for costly and damaging leaks caused when the hose bib freezes and ruptures due to either the garden hose not being removed, or unprotected faucets, both of which can freeze and burst pipes," Hodgson said.

According to a flyer sent out by Aurora Housing representatives, contractors will begin removing snow within two hours of accumulation of two inches or more. Residents are not allowed to push snow from their areas into streets, as it may result in hazardous street conditions, causing a delay in services.

Snow removal is a two-part process and may result in rows of snow until contractors are able to make a second pass to pick up the remaining snow. During snow removal hours, residents are asked to park in garages or driveways so plows can clear roads.