Homeowners can take steps to prevent problems

By ADAM STEWART

Staff writer

Water pipes burst at two Hillsboro museums during a cold snap the weekend of Dec. 12, museums director Stan Harder said Friday.

One pipe in the William F. Schaeffler house and another in the barn of the Peter Paul Loewen house froze. Both pipes are on the north sides of the buildings.

It is the first time pipes have frozen in the museums during Harder’s six years as director. He thinks it has been colder earlier this year compared with previous years.

The Hillsboro Water Department responded to requests to shut off water at the two museums in 10 minutes, he said.

“They were great,” Harder said. “If you have problems with water, you can depend on the Hillsboro Water Department.”

Wind has a significant role in freezing pipes, Senior Water Treatment Technician Morgan Marler said Friday. Cold north winds contribute to most burst pipes, especially in drafty older homes.

There are some short-term methods to prevent pipes from freezing, including letting faucets drip and using heat tape, she said.

The best solution is to hire a licensed plumber to resolve the causes of freezing pipes, Marler said.