CHICOPEE, MA (WGGB/WSHM) -- As temperatures continue to drop, the risk of pipes freezing and bursting increases significantly.

Frozen and burst pipes have been extremely common during this recent stretch of frigid weather, with the issue potentially costing homeowners thousands of dollars to repair. Anthony Bertone, a plumbing technician with Pioneer Valley Environmental, said pipes in certain areas of homes are most vulnerable to freezing. “Often cases we see in unheated spaces like crawl spaces, garages, basements, but it can happen anywhere,” he said. “Biggest thing is make sure you keep the heat on at least 70 or higher with these frigid temps. It can work its way in real quick.”

Bertone explained homeowners should watch for specific warning signs that indicate a pipe may be frozen. “You won’t have water coming to your faucet or low water pressure coming to your faucet,” he said.

He also warned that burst pipes may not always be immediately obvious. “You have water on the floor and can’t really see where it’s coming from it may be a trickle from a pipe up above that hard to see sometimes it does spray in a mist fashion,” Bertone added.

In addition to keeping homes heated consistently, Bertone said having pipes insulated can help prevent pipe bursts during extreme cold weather.

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