Community Corner

Big Chill: Branford Fire Warns of Frozen Pipe Dangers

Since last week's deep freeze firefighters have responded to numerous "water conditions" caused by frozen pipes that burst.

With temperatures once again expected to plummet into the single digits, officials with the Branford Fire Department are warning residents to take precaution and care when it comes to protecting your home or office from bursting water pipes.

The department reports that over the past few days firefighters have responded to numerous "water conditions," which have been caused by frozen pipes that break. 

One of the leading causes of property damage during a cold snap is pipes that burst because they freeze.

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"Several businesses are now closed, damage is in the thousands of dollars," the department stated via a posting on its Facebook page.

Fire officials added that damage is also occurring within residential homes, especially in condominium/apartment units. 

Find out what's happening in Branfordwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"One fire has been caused by subsequently trying to thaw pipes," the department stated.

With frigid temperatures returning to the shoreline, the department has put together and shared a lit of tips to help prevent pipe damage:

  • Keep your turned heat up, now is not the time to conserve energy.
  • If you have pipes on an outside wall, open cabinets, closets, or crawl spaces where they may be to get heat in the area.
  • If your neighbor is away contact them if you can and ask them if they turned the heat down or off in their units. This is common for folks that go on vacation or to Florida for the winter. Urge them to turn the heat up or have it turned up if at all possible.
  • Run water slowly if you cannot get heat to hidden pipe areas.
  • If you are a business owner and have a sprinkler system make sure your building is kept warm 24/7 and if you have a "dry" system make sure the compressor is operating properly. 
  • Know where your water shut off is
  • Contact Branford Fire Department if you have any issues or concerns

Additional information on preventing pipe and water damage during the winter months can also be found here.


Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.

We’ve removed the ability to reply as we work to make improvements. Learn more here