Frigid temperatures cause freezing pipes

(ABC 6 News) – Recent frigid temperatures meant the Rochester fire department says they’re responding to more calls for burst sprinklers.

Water was dripping from the ceiling, and onto the pavement outside the castle community Monday afternoon after a sprinkler head burst in the commercial building.

Extreme cold and rapid shifts in temperature can make pipes expand and contract, leading to the break, according to RFD.

Commercial buildings are more likely to suffer from burst sprinklers but residential homes can have issues with freezing pipes too.

“It’s that time of year for us, where we’re chasing around sprinkler heads all day. Just to keep water flowing, because as soon as it stops flowing that’s when it will start to freeze and that’s when things start bursting, said firefighter Spencer Klemm.

If you’re worried about your pipes in a deep freeze, Rochester firefighters suggest turning on your faucets very low and letting the water run through them regularly.

RFD says keeping the water flowing through your pipes at home is the best way to make sure they don’t freeze over or burst.