Protecting your pipes during cold weather
As extreme cold approaches, a local plumbing company advises residents to take extra precautions to avoid damage to their homes.
ARKANSAS, USA — With extremely cold temperatures heading to our area, Brian Baker with Baker Plumbing has several steps residents need to take to keep water flowing over the next few days.
“Our structures are not built for this cold weather. We’re just not used to it. In the last few years, it’s been getting colder and colder with a lot longer spells of cold,” Baker said.
During these times, it’s important to leave a small drip running on faucets and to keep pipes warm by opening cabinets to allow.
For those who live in a house, “Keep your outside hydrants covered. Those are where we see a lot of the freezes because that wind gets up inside those cracks,” Baker said.
Most importantly, everyone should keep their homes warm. Baker advises you to keep your thermostat close to 70 degrees. If you do believe your water is frozen, it’s best to shut it off to prevent further damage which can get quite expensive.
“You’re looking at $200 to $400 a leak, no matter what it is,” Baker said. “You’re shutting water on and off, and you’re finding new ones, especially in this cold weather. You find one leak, you get it repaired, and you’re going to find three more on top of it. So it’s a process of elimination.”
Baker said he’s ready to respond to emergencies, but he hopes residents take all precautions to prevent extensive damage and save money.