EAU CLAIRE, Wis. (WEAU) – Inside an Eau Claire apartment building, evidence of a broken pipe can be found on several floors.

“We get dozens of calls a month during the winter,” said Jeff Rye, owner of Chem Master.

His business primarily details homes and even helps with repairs.

A pipe that burst due to freezing was a cold reminder of the bitterly cold days to come.

Along the walls of different level apartments and the basement tell this story, aside from the water damage to the units and even the laundry room.

“That wind chill is going to freeze that pipe and split it. You may not know a day or two later when the pipe thaws,” Rye said.

Through the use of thermal technology, Rye crew members detect leaks in a less invasive manner. However, some damage makes it all too clear that it is too late and the problem has become worse than a simple leak.

This was the case for the walls and ceilings of certain floors.

“Once it warms up and the pipes start to thaw, that heat wave makes people realize we may have a problem,” Rye said.

There are some recommendations.

“I would just recommend that homeowners insulate exterior pipes better. Or any pipe closer to an exterior wall,” Rye said.

If you’re going to be gone for an extended period of time, Rye recommends letting water drip from the faucet and even opening cabinet doors under the sink or anywhere there are pipes protruding from the taps. walls.

“This will help keep some heat in.” The constant little drip of water will kind of keep a little flow so nothing freezes,” Rye said.

He also recommends investing in a system offered by some HVAC and plumbing companies that alerts you of possible cold temperatures that are dangerous to the pipes and home.

An app on the phone allows the system to transmit the warning to the owner.

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