Beware of frigid temperatures causing frozen pipes and water main breaks

ST. LOUIS – – With arctic air on its way, plumbing and household plumbing issues can arise.

Main water breaks could increase for water utilities across the region as temperatures affect underground infrastructure.

“Temperatures and weather certainly play a role. Freezing temperatures, or times when the ground is dry and shifting. That can affect the aqueduct, ”said Karen Cotton of Illinois American Water. Our team is used to it. You are aware of these factors. You are prepared for them so they can keep the service running. “

When it comes to household pipes, there are a few preventative measures you can take.

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“The most important thing is that you let this pencil-thin jet of water run overnight. When water flows through the pipes, it can’t freeze, ”said Cotton.

Place a container under the tap to catch this water and use it the next day. Also, open your cabinet doors to allow the warm air to enter the pipes.

Greg Froehlich and his family live in a house in South County.

“Got home one night and noticed that there was water in the basement,” said Froehlich.

It was a cold night and he quickly found that the pipe to the sink in the garage had frozen and burst.

“It’s not just the mess, it’s the price when a plumbing company comes out to replace the pipe,” said Froehlich. “They’re talking $ 1,200 for what we had to do.”

Will Oberkrom, the owner and master plumber of Maplewood Plumbing, is expected to be very busy next week.

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“If it stays cold for a long time, the call volume will certainly increase,” said Oberkrom.

Oberkrom said you should remove the garden hose from the outside faucet first.

“This hose actually holds water and acts like a radiator and draws heat in from outside the plumbing, and the plumbing actually freezes back inside the house.”

This is the most common cause of burst pipes.

Oberkrom’s company buys domestic faucets on a case-by-case basis.

If you’ve built a porch over and installed a washroom over it, make sure the pipes under the floor are kept warm. Possibly add insulation.

The plumber said using a space heater to warm up pipes can be dangerous, especially if the heater is left unattended.

If you wake up and don’t have a water service, you should also check with your neighbors.

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“If customers call that they have no water and it is due to their home plumbing, it could place demands on our teams who work during the freezing cold season to keep the water flowing,” said Cotton.

If your neighbors have water while you don’t, chances are you have a frozen pipe.

“If you think you have a frozen pipe, make sure you turn off your water in your house,” Cotton said. “Make sure anyone who can operate this valve knows where it is. By doing this, you can thaw the pipe and prevent it from bursting and damaging your home.”

If you think you have a water problem, you can visit https://www.amwater.com/moaw/ in Missouri or https://www.amwater.com/ILAW/ in Illinois.

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