How to avoid frozen pipes as temperatures drop
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Colder weather on the way could cause problems with pipes at homes or businesses, but experts are reminding community members of steps they can take to prepare.
The weather expected this week reminded Libby Gierach of just after Christmas a couple of years ago.
“I came in and it was just water just pouring down and it was just the moment you don't want to ever have. But it was reality at that point," she said.
Gierach is retired now but was the president and CEO of the Hilliard Area Chamber of Commerce at the time. The pipes at the office froze, then burst.
“It can destroy homes in a hurry. You’ve got water damage. It can take dry wall out, flooring, you name it, personal possessions, there’s so much it can damage, and we try to prevent as much as possible," said Ryan Halla, plumbing manager at The Waterworks.
It's a situation Halla has seen many times throughout his career. His team is preparing for the next several days. There are steps home and business owners can take as well. He suggested leaving faucets at a drip, opening cabinets which pipes run through, and taking hoses off outdoor faucets. The company also advised wrapping pipes which are in areas prone to freezing.
“The thing is with winter is it doesn't matter if it's cold, it doesn't matter if it's windy, it's when you get both of them put together where we really start to see getting busy because that wind is penetrating your home, at any place and can cause issues," Halla said.
Gierach said she learned her lesson and now follows and shares the advice of experts with others during these frosty conditions.
“It’s just not worth risking your business, your home for frozen pipes when you know there’s some things you can do to avoid that," she said.
The Eastland Career Center on Monday was closed because of what was described in an announcement as severe flooding. A spokesperson for Eastland-Fairfield Career and Technical Schools told NBC4 the flooding was caused by frozen and then burst pipes.