As February tiptoes closer, North Dakota's weather is giving us a brief reprieve with mild temperatures this week. But don’t get too comfortable! The long-term outlook suggests a frosty future, reminding us of winter's grip. While you’re soaking in the current “nice” weather (by North Dakota standards), it’s time to think ahead—because frozen pipes are no joke.

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If you’ve ever had to deal with the chaos of a frozen pipe, you know it can quickly turn from an inconvenience into a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The American Red Cross has some steps you can take to thaw those icy culprits before disaster strikes.

  1. Turn Off the Water Main: The first rule of frozen pipes is to shut off the water supply. This ensures you won’t end up with a geyser in your basement if the pipe bursts.
  2. Open Faucets: Relieving pressure in the pipes is critical. Open all faucets to let water flow once the ice starts melting.
  3. Locate the Problem: Check exposed pipes or areas prone to cold. An infrared thermometer can be a lifesaver for pinpointing the issue.
  4. Apply Heat Gradually: Break out the hair dryer, heating pad, or even warm towels. Slow and steady wins the race here—no blowtorches, unless you’re auditioning for a firefighter calendar.
  5. Restore Water Pressure: Once the ice melts, test the faucets to ensure the water’s running smoothly. Celebrate with a victory dance (optional).

Don’t let winter catch you off guard. Enjoy this week’s mild reprieve, but stock up on hair dryers and heating pads now.

Your pipes—and your wallet—will thank you later.

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