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Jan 17, 2009 10:49 pm US/Central
Plumbers Busy As Weather Bursts Pipes Across Minn.
(WCCO)
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Marion Mahoney got quite the wake-up call Saturday morning.
CBS
After this past week's deep freeze Saturday's warmer temperatures caused water pipes to burst, costing thousands of dollars in damage for some homeowners.
Marion Mahoney got quite the wake-up call Saturday morning. She heard a noise in her basement and when she went downstairs to investigate, she was greeted by a broken water pipe and inches of water on her floor.
Thanks to more than a dozen fans and a dehumidifier, Mahoney's basement is drying out, but until a plumber can come by to fix her pipe, she is roughing it.
"I am melting ice cubes for the water for the coffee and [spending] a lot of time on the phone. Plus, being disappointed that the pipe isn't going to be fixed today," said Mahoney on Saturday.
That is because Marion is one of thousands who developed this problem overnight and plumbers are simply backed up. What happened was this week's sub-zero temperatures caused water in the pipes to freeze and expand, and eventually ice creates a hole in a water pipe and plugs it.
"So once the ice starts to thaw as the temperature rises, then of course the ice melts and the water starts to run out," said Raymond VinZant of Roto Rooter.
Hugh Klein could not use his water all day because of a frozen waterline that will cost thousands to repair. But after a day of no water for him and his dog, he is willing to pay the price.
"It's like when you go to have an operation. If you ask the doctor before he operates, you tell him 'Whatever the cost is it's fine with me,'" said Klein.
VinZant said that when water freezes inside a pipe it creates about 2,000 pounds of pressure. He said most pipes can only hold about 300 pounds of pressure. VinZant said if there is enough water damage, it is not unusual that a homeowner can spend $10,000 or more to replace carpeting, sheetrock, appliances, and other necessities.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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