Frozen pipes cause water line breaks around the Metro Area of Jefferson County, AL
Posted: Jan 09, 2015 12:04 AM EST Updated: Jan 09, 2015 12:04 AM EST JEFFERSON COUNTY - AL - This arctic air is creating big problems for homeowners and businesses. Many around the Metro are dealing with water damage after pipes burst. The risk for more breaks rises even higher Friday."A very long day - they started early before the sun came up and we'll probably be working through the night tonight," Thomas West, DEC Fire and Water Restoration said.
As the temperature drops, pipes freeze, and the water inside expands ending in a huge, watery mess. We caught up with one local company having to clean it all up.
"A lot of commercial properties flooded, multi-level. a lot of residential properties flooded from the attic to the basement. churches flooded throughout the sanctuary," West said.
Firefighters in Center Point have been making calls to homes and businesses at all hours.
"With water flow and things like that cold temperatures give us a lot of ice and slip hazards, electricity you have to deal with, ceiling collapses if water goes from floor to floor in multi-story buildings," Gene Coleman, Battalion Chief, Center Point Fire said.
In Hoover, firefighters spent the day at restaurants, hotels, a nursing home, and businesses with broken lines and running water.
At the East View Healthcare Center, water poured from the sides of the facility. Thankfully no one was hurt and elderly residents did not have to be evacuated.
Crews say the best thing you can do to prevent this from happening to you is make sure your outdoor faucets have covers and keep your indoor spickets on a drip.
Firefighters expect this problem to continue for the next several days - as the temperature rises and the water heats back up, pipes are more likely to break.
"As the temperatures increase tomorrow, we expect more pipes to burst and then as the temperatures come up on Saturday, there's a higher potential we will see more runs," Coleman said.
Birmingham Water Works reported two main breaks - one in Hayden and one in Roosevelt City. Firefighters wanted to send a warning for Friday. Because there have been so many breaks with running water be aware of black ice as you head out for your commute.