January 2016

If there’s one thing Upstate New York can be thankful for this winter, it’s low utility bills. But just in case we get a cold snap, we want to be aware of the risk of frozen pipes. If a pipe has ever burst in your home or building, you know all too well the inconvenience and damage that can result. First-time renters and transplants from warmer states should take note. This is one kind of disaster you can easily prevent.

Why Pipes Burst

It might seem strange that something like a pipe could be damaged by freezing. It’s not actually the pipe we’re worried about; it’s the water. When water freezes, it expands. When there’s not enough room for the ice, it’s going to find a place to go. In the case of plumbing, pressure from freezing water can break right through pipes or the points where they’re connected. When that happens, costs start adding up fast.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Letting your pipes freeze can disrupt life for other residents, and it can also cause thousands of dollars in damage for which you could be responsible. A one-eighth-inch crack in a pipe can spew out more than 250 gallons of water per day! All that water can cause extensive damage to belongings and structures — in one apartment or a whole building.

Fortunately, it’s easy to keep your pipes from freezing.

•    Never turn your heat all the way off in the winter.
•    Keep your thermostat set above 50 degrees.
•    If you’re away from home, leave open the doors of any cabinets that contain pipes.
•    If you have a garage door, keep it closed.
•    Let the faucets drip just a little while you’re away and when temperatures are extremely low.

Zero Frozen Pipes

We would love to make it through the winter without any frozen pipes, but that lake-effect weather can be powerful. If you ever notice an interruption in your water flow that you suspect could be caused by frozen pipes, call our emergency maintenance line at 585-334-6870.

Keep warm, everyone!