Winter pipe protection: A must-do before the chill hits Lincoln

LINCOLN, Neb. (KOLN) - With temperatures falling in the Star City, Lincoln Water System is reminding residents to take steps now to protect their plumbing and avoid costly damage or high water bills.

Officials say the most common cold-weather plumbing problems come from poorly winterized lawn sprinkler systems. Water left in the pipes can freeze and break, leading to backflow or broken lines.

With poorly insulated buildings or layouts, pipes can freeze along outside walls or unheated basements, garages and crawl spaces.

Lincoln Water System recommends the following precautions:

Properly drain and winterize lawn watering systems.

Remove hoses from outside faucets. Most newer homes have freeze-proof faucets which drain water when the hose is removed. Older homes may have a valve inside