Thawing pipes cause costly damage for homeowners after deep freeze
The problem often begins during periods of intense cold, when water inside pipes freezes and expands.
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As temperatures rise following the latest extreme cold snap, many homeowners are discovering an unwelcome surprise - burst pipes and significant water damage.
The problem often begins during periods of intense cold, when water inside pipes freezes and expands. That expansion can cause pipes to crack or split. But the damage frequently goes unnoticed until temperatures climb and the ice thaws, allowing water to escape.
This is what happened at a home in Levittown, where a refrigerator water line running through the ceiling froze and burst. Once the ice melted, water poured into the kitchen below, flooding the space and soaking the ceiling.
Workers had to cut away sections of waterlogged drywall to locate and repair the break.
Plumber Gregory Martino of Martino Plumbing & Heating says he has been working nonstop since the cold weather hit. He explains that the delayed nature of these leaks often makes them more destructive.
“It freezes, it splits, it doesn't leak because the ice is holding back the leak,” Martino said. “And then once it defrosts, then comes the waterfall.”
According to Martino, quick action is critical when a pipe bursts. The first and most important step is shutting off the home’s main water supply.
“Got to get the water turned off first,” he said. “Shutting it off in ten minutes is the difference between a few thousand dollars and a hundred thousand dollars.”
Homeowners are urged to locate their water main shutoff valve in advance and ensure it is accessible in case of an emergency.
To help prevent pipes from freezing in the first place, experts recommend letting faucets run at a slow trickle during extreme cold. Opening cabinet doors beneath sinks can also allow warmer air to circulate around pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.
