Falling Temperatures, Busy Plumbers

December 08, 2009

By Rebecca Gannon

(WICHITA, Kan.)

With the cold weather comes the chance for frozen pipes. That means busy plumbers.

It's a dirty job, but Brian Boscaino does it.

The Roto-Rooter foreman spent Tuesday out of the winter storm, but dealing with another kind of wintry mess.

Boscaino said tree roots can wreak havoc on sewage pipes this time of year.

"Cold weather, the roots really go nuts. They start growing," he explained, "usually right in someone's sewer line, unfortunately."

Maybe unfortunately for the home or business owner, but it's great for any plumber.

One of Boscaino's stops took him to the Old Mill Tasty Shop. "I'm surprised they got here this quick," said Manny Miller from behind the counter.

After today, your plumber may not make it over as quickly. With temperatures dropping, Boscaino expects to be on more calls, for another plumbing problem.

"It will freeze solid, out in this weather, happens all the time," he said. "Especially when it gets cold cold. Below the 20's. That's when it gets bad."

Forecasters expect it to be in the 20's for highs, so try some of Boscaino's tricks to ward off frozen pipes.

"Wrap them with insulation. Any time you're under your house and you see cracks in the walls, plug them up with insulation or foam or seal them off," he said.

Don't forget about the drafty areas, like under your sink, he said. Try to insulate the pipes, or open the doors to keep warm air around them. Especially if they are part of a north wall.

"Because that north wind hits it, and it'll freeze. If you feel a breeze, it will freeze."

Listen to Boscaino's free advice now. Or you'll pay for his house call later.

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