Lakeview has already had some sub-zero weather, and many sections of Klamath County won’t get above freezing this week…and that’s likely to result in plenty of frozen water pipes.
Plumbers in Klamath Falls have already been busy thawing out water pipes. And a little prevention now can help keep your water flowing…
“Make sure your hoses are off your hose bibs.” Says Erik Pedersen of Fairway Plumbing. “Walk around your house, making sure the footing vents are closed up, and prevent the wind – the wind does a lot of damage.”
Pedersen adds that you can also take some simple steps inside your home…
“Open up cabinet doors. Get as much heat on the plumbing pipes as you can.”
Foam covers or heat tape can help protect pipes.
Pedersen notes that a small trickle of water will prevent pipes from freezing…
“I tell people it’s a lot cheaper to let your faucet run and pay the city water bill than it is to call a plumber.”
Once it gets below freezing, any pipe can freeze.
“Once they’re frozen, they’re frozen.” Says Pedersen. “You need to get under the house, put a heater under there. Just get it warmed up.”
Cold temperatures will also warm up business for plumbers…
“I do expect a little bit more.” Says Pedersen. “And I just hope it doesn’t happen on Christmas day.”
And if your pipes should happen to freeze, never use an open flame or blowtorch to thaw a pipe, as that can cause the pipe to explode, or start a fire.
A heat lamp or hair dryer might take a little longer, but will be much safer.
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