By Brittanie Morris
With the recent record low temperatures nationwide, housing is suffering across the state. Because of subzero temperatures in Provo, and in much of Utah Valley and Salt Lake, water pipes are in danger.
With more than 500 homes with broken or damaged pipes since the beginning of the winter frost, and an average of 90 a day for the last five days, Ready Rooter plumber Parley Hellewell said he''s been busy.
'We''ve found a variety of problems,' Hellewell said. 'Some pipes are really damaged, some break and some just need to be thawed.'
But Hellewell said a lot of the problems could have been prevented.
'It''s the bad builders that keep us in business,' Hellewell said.
One primary reason for problems with frozen pipes is poor insulation or lack of airflow to the pipes. When pipes are near an outside wall or located in an area that is often left untouched, they are susceptible to freezing in cold weather.
Provo City Water Systems Manager Bart Simons said problem spots are often behind cabinets, on exterior walls and under roads.
But sometimes even efficient construction planning can''t solve the problem, which has been the case with some of the current problems.
'We haven''t had a problem with our pipes in 15 years,' said John Faragher, landlord at Oakton Condos near 600 North 100 West in Provo. But Faragher and two of his tenants had to deal with frozen pipes this winter.
Faragher expects the problems this year were due to the excess cold; experts statewide agree this could be the case.
So how can you prevent your pipes from freezing? Circulation is key to keep pipes from freezing, Simons said.
'Familiarize yourself with your own home,' is Simons'' main phrase of advice.
Opening cabinet doors with pipes in them, or running water at each tap once or twice a day, can prevent frozen pipes.
Hellewell agrees that a little water and air circulation will solve many of the problems.
But most of all, 'if your pipes are frozen don''t leave the house until they are thawed,' Hellewell said. 'That''s how you end up with a foot of water in the basement.'
Ways to Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing: Create air circulation Cover your pipes properly when building Have sufficient insulation Run your water daily Don''t leave areas of your house containing pipes untouched Use galvanized pipes rather than copper Don''t let water sit unused in the pipes |
If Your Pipes Freeze: Thaw them slowly using some sort of heat Create space for warm air to get to the pipes If your pipes crack, call a plumber |
Information provided by Utah State University Extension Agricultural Systems Technology and Education Specialist Richard Beard