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DPS shares tips about frozen pipes
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Madison Heights Department of Public Services has shared some simple tips to protect the water infrastructure in your home this winter.
First, know the locations of the shutoff valves, immediately before and after the water meter. Knowing where to find these is crucial in the event there is a pipe burst in the house.
Second, take measures to protect your pipes from drafts. Residents with crawl spaces should make sure the vents along the outside walls are sealed up for the winter. It is also recommended to insulate any pipes that run along the outside walls.
Third, if your water meter is in a cabinet or an outside wall, such as under the kitchen sink or in a utility room, the Department of Public Services recommends cracking the cabinet door open to let in heat during the coldest days, preventing pipes from freezing.
The department will not shut off water without notifying the homeowner or leaving a door hanger in the event that someone cannot be reached in person. As such, if your water stops running, this may be the result of a frozen pipe or water meter. Due to liability issues, city crews cannot thaw your frozen pipes, so contact a qualified plumber. If you attempt to thaw a pipe yourself, never use a torch or other source of flame, since this could start a fire.
If a water meter freezes, the freeze plate on its underside will crack and begin leaking, and must be replaced by the city. The water meter is the property of the city, but it is the homeowner’s responsibility to protect it from damage.
For more information, call the Water Division of the Department of Public Services at (248) 589-2294.
Libraries closed for the holidays
MADISON HEIGHTS/HAZEL PARK — The Hazel Park District Library, located at 123 E. Nine Mile Road, will be closed for the holidays from Friday, Dec. 22, through Monday, Jan. 1, reopening at noon on Tuesday, Jan. 2.
As for the Madison Heights Public Library, 240 W. 13 Mile Road, it will be closed from Saturday, Dec. 23, through Tuesday, Dec. 26, and again from Saturday, Dec. 30, through Tuesday, Jan. 2.
For more information, call the Hazel Park library at (248) 546-4095, or the Madison Heights library at (248) 588-7763.
Pottery workshop at nature center
MADISON HEIGHTS — The Red Oaks Nature Center at Suarez Friendship Woods, located at 30300 Hales St. in Madison Heights, will hold a pottery workshop to craft a mini succulent garden from 1 p.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 13.
All supplies will be provided, including the succulents. Participants will need to heat their clay creations in the oven at home. The program is suitable for ages 6 and older, and costs $5 per person. Preregistration with payment is required. There will be an ASL interpreter at the event.
For more information, including registration, call the nature center at (248) 858-0916.
