BPW approves pipe freezing equipment purchase

Apparently, sometimes when a pipe freezes it isn't a bad thing. In fact, Marshall Municipal Utilities hopes to soon be able to freeze pipes on command.

The Marshall Board of Public Works approved the purchase of portable pipe freezing equipment without dissent at its regular meeting Thursday morning.

The equipment, which is budgeted at approximately $1,200, will make it easier for the city to repair service line valves, said Monty Chase, underground facilities superintendent.

The equipment can freeze 3/4-inch and 1-inch pipes, halting flow without damaging the pipe and allowing crews to replace or repair valves. Currently, when a valve needs work, water mains may need to be shut down or service crimped to make repairs.

Chase said the equipment should shorten repair times and reduce the number of customers out of service when work is being done.

Chase also reported to the board that the MMU Underground Facilities Department tries to check water valves in the distribution system every year for needed repairs and location measurements, mending problems as time allows.

Last year, Chase said, the project did not get completed but crews are currently working on it.

Contact Matt Heger at

marshallbusiness@socket.net