Town of Pinedale update: Winter
by Town of Pinedale
January 20, 2016
I know we are probably all tired of the cold already, but we need to continue being vigilant about protecting our homes and businesses against frozen meters and pipes. We have a long way to go till we can let down are prevention. Just this week we have had many more reports of frozen lines.
So, let’s focus on prevention a little bit more. This year, because we have very little snow on the ground, the freeze can go even deeper. Additionally, ground that we walk on and drive on can be even more susceptible, so here again are some tips to help you prevent damage.
Consult a professional plumber or contractor to help you with a comprehensive plan. This plan can include leaving a pencil sized stream of water flowing in a sink at all times. Also, leave the doors open on cabinets that house sinks to allow heat to get to the pipes. Where possible insulate pipes and meters.
Getting back to other winter issues, let’s talk about Pinedale’s streets again. As you know, we are not plowing until there is a three inch accumulation of snow on the ground, or we think there will be soon. On Pine Street, in an effort to be fiscally responsible, we are not removing snow piles down the middle or on corners until they are in danger of obstructing views. We simply don’t have the equipment to remove it ourselves and each time we contract someone, the cost is 3-5 thousand dollars.
We are using a mixture of salt and sand; roughly 8-10% is salt. As we all know excessive salt can be damaging to roads and sidewalks not to mention our cars. The sand is clean sand, not "dirt". There is no perfect solution but the thin layers of ice on the top of the pavement actually protect the roadway by providing a natural barrier between the roads surface and the abrasion caused by the sand. The sand on top then adds traction for our vehicles. Again, nothing is perfect when you live in the snow and ice of Wyoming.
|
