CHICAGO (CBS) – Before an extreme cold snap hits starting this weekend, plumbers and across Chicago are urging people to prepare their homes now.
Insurance experts said the same thing. There's a plumbing shortage that's getting worse – so not only will repairs take longer, they'll also be much more expensive.
About a year ago a pipe burst in the ceiling and Gallons of water poured out across from the two dining rooms at Asparagus Restaurant, 7876 Broadway in Merrillville, Indiana. The damage cost more than $60,000 to repair.
“It was sad. It was really sad. A lot of us work here, and we… I don't know – it looked a lot worse than it does now,” Asparagus manager Kate Witte said in January 2024. “Water was We thought we wouldn't be reopening for a long time.
The restaurant had to close for 10 days after the pipe burst. Walls and furniture were ruined.
Such costly repairs are why Christian Morales with J. Blanton Plumbing visited homes across Chicago all day Thursday.
“The best maintenance is preventative maintenance,” Morales said.
To protect outdoor water outlets from the cold, he installed faucet covers.
“I would recommend everyone to buy it, especially because it is not an expensive piece,” Morales said.
Raychel Adiutori is with Erie Insurance and also had direct advice on preparing for extreme cold.
“Some things like proper insulation, following HVAC maintenance and regular inspections can significantly reduce the risk of costly repairs,” she said.
Adiutori said when it comes to HVAC systems, air filters should be changed, vents should be opened and thermostats should be kept at the same temperature day and night. The thermostat should never go below 55 degrees.
When it comes to pipes, Adiutori said homeowners and renters should disconnect and drain hoses, let faucets drip cold water and open cabinets to allow warm air to flow into pipes.
“And the most vulnerable pipes are those that are not in the heated interior of the home,” she said.
But even with all of these tips, Morales knows the next week will be busy as his plumbing company tries to help homes and businesses deal with extensive damage.
“We’re definitely going to get a lot of emergency calls,” he said.
The owner of Asparagus said last year that the restaurant had insulated all exterior walls and opened the ducts for better air circulation. Insurance only covered part of it – the restaurant had to pay around $20,000 out of pocket.
Marissa Sulek