KKCO 11 News
Grand Junction, CO
By Zach Berridge
12-10-2013

Cold temps damaging water pipes

GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. The sudden change from mild to sub-zero temperatures is taking its toll on some households. One of the main complaints: damage to the water systems.

Area plumbers are running into frozen pipes, typically in poorly insulated homes.
To help curb the issues, experts suggest keeping your cabinet under the sink open, leaving a small drip on the faucet, and keeping your thermostat set to around 70 degrees, even though it may raise your energy bill.

“Don’t try to save money this time of year,” said Bill Hays of Hays Plumbing and Heating. “If you pay $20 more to keep your house warmer, it’s going to be a lot less than paying a plumber to come and fix things.”

Even though the intention to save money by setting your thermostat lower is good, the labor will cost you, and could leave some permanent damage to your home.