Wednesday, December 31, 2014 9A Wind, frigid temps freezing pipes By JAMIE LAMPROS Standard-Examiner correspondent Cold temperatures and high winds kept local plumbers working overtime on frozen pipes Tuesday. Mark Pitcher, owner of Pitcher Plumbing in Ogden, said he had received more than a dozen calls before noon regarding frozen and burst pipes. "The biggest factor has been the wind pushing the cold air into the house," Pitcher said. "A lot of the pipes that run along the outside wall are the ones we are seeing with problems and 90 percent of the people we've seen have had similar issues before." Malachi Goff, owner of Gof f Plumbing in Farming- ton said he has also been out on a lot of calls about frozen pipes. "We've had a lot and I've had a lot of neighbors call, too," he said. "We haven't seen too many burst pipes, but we're definitely seeing frozen pipes and it's mainly because of the wind. We've had a lot of really cold spells before, butwhen the wind is constantly hitting on an exterior pipe, it sets you up for problems." Several people on Face- book complained of frozen pipes or no running water in various rooms of their homes. With temperatures dipping into the single digits this week, both older and newer homes are at risk for frozen and ruptured pipes. When water freezes, it expands and can exert pressure over 2,000 pounds per square inch, according to the American Red Cross. Because the pipe provides no room for the ice to expand, it causes a rupture, which can spill several gallons of water per hour. Pitcher and Gof f said some of the best things you can do to prevent a frozen pipe are simple. "Open the cabinet under your kitchen and bathroom sinks," Pitcher said. "This will allow warmer air to circulate around the See PIPES, PagelOA •". Standard Examiner Pip From 9A es pipes." Gof f said letting a small amount of water run through your faucet will also help prevent the pipes from freezing up. You can run both hot and cold water. "Keep the temperature warm inside your home as well," Goff said. The American Red Cross suggests keeping the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst. If you already have a frozen pipe, which can be detected by turning on a faucet and only having a trickle come out, Goff and Pitcher said you can apply heat tape to the pipes. In addition, you can use a hair dryer to the frozen section, wrap the pipes with towels soaked in hot water or apply a heating pad to the frozen area. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove or other open flame device. "A lot of times, there's not much a plumber can do when it comes to frozen pipes," Goff said. "We do have machines that will thaw out your pipes, but preventing them from freezing is definitely best. Insulating those exterior pipes is also a good idea."