Kentucky American Water, Midway's wholesale water supplier, offers tips for protecting pipes from the cold

Kentucky American Water Co. news release

With bitterly cold temperatures forecast for the next couple days in the Bluegrass, Kentucky American Water reminds customers of ways to help prevent their water pipes from freezing and potentially bursting.:

• Make sure you have disconnected garden hoses from all outside spigots. 
• If you are going way, set the thermostat no lower than 55 degrees. 
• Keep a slow trickle of water flowing overnight through faucets supplied by pipes that run through unheated or unprotected spaces or along outside walls. This will help prevent the water in them from freezing. 
• Keep kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors open to allow warm air to circulate around these pipes. 
• Make sure you know where your main water shut-off valve is located inside your home so that you can shut off your water quickly in the event of a water pipe leak and prevent costly damage. This valve is often located in a utility room or closet or in the basement. 

If your pipes do freeze, take these steps:

• Shut off your water immediately. 
• Thaw pipes with warm air, with a hair dryer or space heater. Do not leave space heaters unattended and do not use kerosene heaters or open flames. 
• Be careful turning water back on. Once pipes are thawed, slowly turn the water back on and check pipes and joints for any cracks. 

Visit Kentucky American Water’s website at kentuckyamwater.com for more tips on water-related matters.