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For what it costs to buy aspirin, you could prevent losing thousands over frozen water pipe breaks

When water freezes, the pipes expand and contract, causing those pipes to burst.

AUSTIN — These freezing temperatures could cost you hundreds if you don't protect your plumbing -- and this weather is keeping plumbers for ABC Home & Commercial busy.

"People think it's a dirty job, but you get to fix things and tackle a lot of challenges that can be rewarding," plumber Mike Yazalina said.

Yazalina has been an overall plumber for more than 30 years. He said it's not rare to get really busy after a hard freeze.

"We're not used to the cold," Yazalina said. "We're used to mild winters, so when we get these freezes, people don't think about it."

When water freezes, the pipes expand and contract, causing those pipes to burst.

"Anything that's outside exposed to the elements, you want to make sure to wrap it," Yazalina said.

He said it's always better to prevent an accident from happening than deal with the costly consequences.

If you are looking for a last-minute way you want to insulate your pipes, you can simply wrap them in a towel and cover it with rough tape.

"Everybody has an old towel. You cut it, wrap it up and get tape and wrap it nice and tight," Yazalina said.

Standing water can freeze your pipes, Yazalina said. But if you let the faucet inside slightly drip, that lets water run to prevent it from freezing.

For what it costs to buy aspirin, you could insulate your pipes -- as little as 50 cents per linear foot -- and that could save you at least $5,000 in water damages.

Austin Water also gave tips to reduce the chances of having faucets problems. Before freezing weather, they recommend:

1. Covering your pipes that are exposed outside of your house.

2. Remove all garden hoses from your outside faucets.

3. Cover the pipes around the foundation of your house.

4. Know the location of your property owner's cut-off valve and learn how to use it. The valve is usually located close by the water meter box under a six-inch metal lid.

In sub-freezing weather, Austin Water says:

1. If the temperatures are 28 degrees for four hours straight, you need to leave your outside faucets open, letting them drip about five drops per minute. Make sure to turn off the faucets when the freezing threat is finished.

2. Open cabinet doors that are close to your outside walls.

3. In unheated garages, turn off the water for the washing machines. Your water softeners should be drained and protected from the cold temperatures.

4. Pay close attention to the pipes that have had freezing problems before.

If you are not going to stay at home during the freezing weather advisory, you can:

1. Shut off the water completely in your house.

2. If you will be away from your home for several days, leave your heat at a low temperature.

3. Leave the cabinet doors on the outside walls of your home open.

Austin Water suggests avoiding irrigation during the winter months to help conserve water, and they remind you that most renters are responsible for any property damage caused by broken faucets due to the weather conditions.

For costumers who have any kind of problem with a line breaking or your cut-off valve does not work, you can call the Austin Water 24-hour hotline at 512-972-1000. For more information, visit the Austin Water website.

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