Jan 31, 2021 at 10:32 am EST
Updated on:Jan 31, 2021 at 10:32 am EST
Cold weather, such as hits the tri-state territory, can cause serious damage. Every winter, an average of 250,000 households suffer water damage from frozen pipes.
In this Consumer Alert, News 12’s Walt Kane explores how you can protect yourself from falling victim to frozen pipes.
Frozen pipe damage can be extensive. Steve Rodzinak, Code Enforcement Officer and Master Plumber, declares several houses uninhabitable after problems with frozen pipes.
“We literally had where the ceilings fell, there was 4 feet of water in the basement,” says Rodzinak. “Now you have to replace the insulation, you have to re-certify all of your electrical systems because they got water in them.” You need to check your heater for all of your mechanical systems to cycle. It can be a mess. “
However, it’s a mess that he says can be avoided. Rodzinak’s advice?
- – Keep the thermostat at 65 degrees or higher.
- – Disconnect the garden hoses and turn off the water supply to the external taps.
- – In the case of washbasins on the outside walls, leave the cabinet door open on cold days and let a drop of water run through.
Many experts say that they should take these precautions when the temperature drops below 20 degrees. Rodzinak goes a step further and says he should also take the wind into account.
“It could be 32 degrees and windy and you will have frozen pipes. It could be 20 degrees and there is no wind and you don’t have the problem,” says Rodzinak Holes, walking into the house. “
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