LOUISVILLE, Ky. — Plumbers in the Bluegrass State are reminding homeowners about the potential for water damage as we deal with brutally cold temperatures.
What You Need To Know
- Below freezing temps across the Commonwealth are keeping plumbers busy this week
- Plumbers with Dauenhauer Plumbing in Louisville say it’s important for homeowners to focus on faucets and pipes along your most exterior walls
- If you suspect a frozen pipe, experts say knowing where your main water shut off is can easily save you thousands of dollars in repair bills
- Once the temps rise, plumbers recommend inspecting the plumbing around your home to survey damage
As we head into the weekend, parts of Kentucky could experience temperatures in the teens according to the Spectrum News One’s weather team. And that means it’s time to take action to keep your pipes from freezing up.
Ron Moore, Excavation Supervisor, with Dauenhauer Plumbing in Louisville, said it was all hands on deck on Friday.
“We put them on a two-hour delay, but I mean, they are out just trying to take care of all our customers,” Moore said.
It’s important for homeowners to focus on faucets and pipes along their most exterior walls, according to Moore.
“You’re definitely going to know it cause you’re either going to hear it or you’re going to see water coming through your ceiling or coming out through your floor,” he explained. “It won’t take long to find a busted pipe, let me tell you.”
The father of seven said the best thing you can do is be proactive to make sure everything is in working order.
“I’d be looking for the pipes on the outside walls underneath the sinks that could be exposed to the cold weather. Find out if there’s any hose or draft that comes through there you need to get air to stop getting through there,” Moore said.
To prevent pipe problems, there are simple things you can do, including keeping your heat on, and keep water moving through your pipes.
“You have to constantly keep your cabinets open, keep your water running. People may say it runs their water bill up, but it beats having a big bill at the end where the water freezes and busts and then floods your home,” said Moore.
If you suspect a frozen pipe, knowing where your main water shut off is located can easily save you thousands of dollars in repair bills.
When pipes freeze, experts say says technicians can’t address the problem until the pipes finally start warming up.
“A lot of times when the pipes freeze there’s a whole lot you can’t do to prevent them, but sometimes you just have wait until it thaws out,” Moore said.
With customers looking to protect their pipes, Moore leaves them with this advice: “Do your homework and be preventative and insulate them pipes and leave your water running.”
Once temperatures rise, plumbers recommend inspecting the plumbing around your home to make sure nothing was damaged.