Rochester Public Utilities: “Watch For Frozen Water Lines”

Get our free mobile app

Rochester, MN (KROC AM News) - An advisory issued Wednesday by Rochester Public Utilities dealing with the threat of frozen water pipes has come out earlier than in past years.

RPU has issued an advisory to all its water customers, urging them “to monitor the temperature of their water!”

RPU says it “is starting to hear from customers that are concerned about their water service freezing this winter.” RPU issued a similar advisory in early February last year.

RPU advises customers to take the temperature of their water and then continue monitoring it until the frost is out of the ground. This is especially important for customers that have experienced frozen water problems in the past.

RPU suggests running an inside cold water faucet and use a thermometer to check the stream (10-20 seconds) to see what the water temperature is. If the temperature drops below 35 degrees (F), RPU says “ you should immediately start running a continuous pencil-width stream of water from a faucet.”

The current measured frost depth in the Rochester area is 36 inches. 

(CLICK TO ENLARGE)

RPU says the cost to run a constant pencil-width stream of water is approximately $60- $100 per month including sewer fees. RPU says thawing a frozen water service can cost $800- $1,500. RPU asks those who decide to run their water as a precaution to call 507-280-1500.

All businesses and residence types could be affected. The age of your home does not matter.

Service lines are typically buried six feet or more below the ground from the street to the house.