Q: I know you need to leave the water dripping at night when the temperature is below 32 degrees. But what about when I'm home during the day and it's below 32? — Geraldine Caucci, Powder Springs
A: You don’t have to leave the water dripping if you’re going to be home and using water for household activities, such as washing clothes or dishes, washing your hands or bathing. “If you will have long periods when no water is used, then it is not a bad idea to leave it dripping in an older building,” Ron Anderson, the executive director of the Georgia Plumbers’ Trade Association for Continuing Education, told Q&A on the News in an email. “A steady drip will protect pipes when the temperature does not get below 20 degrees.” When the temperature drops below 20, Anderson suggested running a small stream to keep the water flowing and help keep your pipes from bursting. Pipes prone to bursting are “outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines and water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets,” the American Red Cross states on its website (redcross.org). Also, pipes in exterior walls that “have little or no insulation” could freeze.
Q: With all the talk of security in Sochi, I wonder whether Russia is also hosting the Paralympics? — Robin Titterington, Decatur
A: Sochi will host the XI Paralympic Winter Games, which begin March 7 and end March 16. The Winter Paralympics have been held in the same city as the Winter Olympics since 1992.
Andy Johnston wrote this column. Do you have a question about the news? We’ll try to get the answer. Call 404-222-2002 or email q&a@ajc.com (include name, phone and city).
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