Frozen pipes keep plumbers busy

CINCINNATI, OH (FOX19) - Freezing temperatures are keeping Tri-State plumbers busy.

Some we spoke with Wednesday said they are working overtime dealing with frozen pipes.

They also provided some timely tips to protect your home and wallet.

Plumbers suggest leaving your sinks running to prevent frozen pipes.

The width of the water should be about a pen’s size, and the water should be a cool temperature.

Charles Collier has been a plumber with Allied Reddi-Rooter for seven years.

“I came in early because we had a lot of calls coming in from last night,” he said.

Winter is their busiest season, he said.

“It’s been frozen pipes and crawl spaces, ya know, water won’t drain out of the tub because of the cold air that’s up under the house,” he said.

On a typical day, he responds to 8 to 10 calls.

By the end of Wednesday night, he said he will have been on 30.

“I’m gonna go get those jobs done and then wait for more to come in and they’re coming in as we’re speaking now,” he said.

FOX19 NOW rode along with Collier and within 15 minutes, he received two calls for frozen pipes.

“We’re very busy,” he told one caller.

The most common mistake people make, he said, is shutting off the water and turning up the heat “thinking the heat is going to get behind the walls and keep the pipes from freezing.”

Here’s some easy tips to keep your pipes from bursting:

• Heat tape
• If that isn’t an option, leave your tub and sinks running because moving water doesn’t freeze
• Keep your cabinets open to expose your pipes to heat circulating in your house

If you do have a frozen pipe issue -most plumbers have an emergency number you can call.

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