Frozen Pipes

Created: Thu, 06 Feb 2014 05:39:00 MST

Updated: Fri, 07 Feb 2014 08:37:19 MST

Cold temperatures continue to cause problems across the Black Hills.

And now some local businesses and residents have experienced sprinkler system pipes that froze over and burst. Rapid City fire department responded to 15 incidents this year alone due to frozen pipe bursts.

Fire officials still highly recommended that sprinkler system be installed, as they can be vital if a fire were to occur, however those systems must be maintained properly in order for the sprinklers to work and to prevent any damage.

If sprinkler pipes are in the attic or up in the ceiling just make sure theyre properly installed above the ceiling or properly maintained. You might even take some point to, if youre in a business, to remove part of the ceiling to see if its cold up there. If youre at home check the attic to make sure theyre properly installed and heat is reaching your pipes so they dont freeze, says Rapid City Fire Departments Public Information Officer, Calen Maningas.

Officials recommend that the building temperature be a minimum of 45 degree to prevent pipes from freezing over. RCFD suspects that the prolonged extreme cold in the area is whats causing these incidences.

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Frozen Pipes