(WBBM NEWSRADIO) — A plumbing expert says the wide swings in temperature we've been experiencing in the Chicago area increase the risk of pipes bursting in some homes.
Tom Cerceo, a manager at Four Seasons Plumbing, on Thursday said the temperature fluctuations can cause expansion and contraction of pipes along exterior walls.
That, in turn, can weaken joints and make pipes more likely to burst when they freeze, he said.
Among the steps to keep those pipes from freezing, he advises:
—Letting faucets drip or trickle; moving water is less likely to freeze.
—Turning off water to outdoor spigots and remove hoses.
—Opening cabinets under kitchen and bathroom sinks to let warm air circulate around the plumbing.
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