The extreme cold temperatures from the past week resulted in a large increase of requests for emergency plumbing and heating help. (file photo/battlefordsNOW Staff)

By Josh Ryan

Frozen pipes

Plumbing, heating requests spike during cold snap

Jan 28, 2021 | 8:59 AM

Many residents who didn’t go outdoors over the weekend may not have noticed the sudden drop in temperature immediately, but were in need of assistance once they did.

In addition to automotive issues, with CAA Saskatchewan seeing increased wait times due to the volume of calls for towing services and battery boosts (causing wait times of up to four hours), requests for emergency plumbing and heating issues also spiked during the cold snap.

Mitchell Hawtin, owner of Hawtin Plumbing Services in North Battleford, said they received multiple calls over the weekend, but even more on Monday and Tuesday. These ranged from dealing with furnaces and boilers, to frozen water lines. While it was significantly more than normal, Hawtin said it wasn’t a total surprise to be so busy.

“Once we get into that minus 30 area, if that’s steady, then [calls] are pretty consistent throughout,” he said.

Common issues that lead to issues when temperatures reach this level include blockages to the furnace venting outside, like ice and snow. Hawtin recommends having a secondary heat source, whether it’s space heaters or a gas fireplace.

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“Sometimes parts aren’t readily available so a person could be without heat for a day or two,” he said. “Having that backup heat is very important.”

Glenda Rye, co-owner of North Battleford LUK Plumbing Heating & Electric, said they were also very busy, dealing with cases of burst water lines, no heat and more. She also stressed the importance of checking filters and vents.

“Make sure the filters aren’t plugged,” Rye said. “Check the vents outside, make sure they haven’t filled up with ice or something like that.”

One of the challenges companies have had in dealing with households in these situations, only amplified in the stress of the pandemic, is having had to reassure people they’ll be alright.

“We’ve got lots of space heaters here, so that their asset or building doesn’t freeze up,” Rye said.

Ahead of warmer temperatures next week, CAA Saskatchewan recommended drivers take the time to do vehicle maintenance, such as checking block heater cords, tire pressure and oil. Heading into another cold snap, Rye said having similarly solid maintenance routines around your house will go a long way, including checking your CO (carbon monoxide) monitors and fire alarms.

“When it happens so quickly like that, sometimes not everyone is ready,” she said. “You forget about heating, ventilation, pipes, things you use all the time, but don’t necessarily see.”

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josh.ryan@jpbg.ca

On Twitter: @JoshRyanSports