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Hibbing utility issues winter tips to prevent frozen water lines and points residents to emergency grants
Summary
Luke Peterson, general manager at Hibbing Public Utilities, urged residents to keep water flowing, open cabinet doors and insulate exposed pipes to avoid frozen lines, and noted emergency grant funding from AEOA with contact details for assistance.
Luke Peterson, general manager at Hibbing Public Utilities, urged Hibbing residents on Friday to take simple precautions to prevent frozen water lines as the area moves between cold snaps.
“First, prevention is the key to avoid a frozen water pipe,” Peterson said, telling residents to keep water flowing at a small trickle at faucets farthest from the house and to open cabinet doors under sinks so warm air can circulate.
The utility manager gave a short set of practical steps for homeowners and renters: run a small, continuous flow at distant faucets; insulate exposed pipes in basements and other cold areas; and use pipe insulation or heat tape where pipes are susceptible to freezing. If a water line does freeze, Peterson advised turning on the faucet to relieve pressure and applying gentle heat such as a portable heater — and warned against using open flames.
“Never use a flame, open flame or blowtorch to unfreeze a line,” Peterson said.
If residents cannot thaw a pipe or suspect a burst, Peterson said to call a local plumber as soon as possible. He also told homeowners worried about repair costs that emergency grant funding is available through AEOA and provided a contact: “Please call Kim at 218-735-6879 if you have an emergency situation and she'll be able to put you in contact and see what qualifications you have for that program.”
Peterson closed by providing the utility’s office number for further questions and assistance: 218-262-7700. He described HPU staff as neighbors and ratepayers, and urged the community to stay safe during the cold weather.
The remarks were delivered as a utility public service message and did not include any formal actions or policy changes by Hibbing City or Hibbing Public Utilities.
