frozen pipes

Burst Pipes an Issue Across Connecticut From Winter Cold Snap

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While the extreme cold is now subsiding, the effects of that weather remain putting a strain on homes and other buildings across the state. In some cases, pipes burst which shut down places like a supermarket in Enfield.

Customers surprised and confused, being met with this sign at the Big Y in Enfield, many wanting to get their groceries.

Big Y posted on its Facebook page that the store is closed all day Saturday for repairs.

“I feel bad because right now, I’m outside and it’s cold,” Amentha Rasom, a shopper from Longmeadow, Massachusetts, said.

Extreme cold was to blame. Enfield town manager Ellen Zoppo-Sassu says town infrastructure overall weathered the cold snap, but five commercial buildings including the Big Y suffered burst pipes.

She says water came down from the roof forcing it to close. Town crews ensured the structure of the building was intact. There were similar incidents at other buildings in town.

“Most of the other ones had burst pipes in crawl spaces and hard to reach upper floors, so that’s a great reminder for people to take care of their whole building facility,” she said.

She says the town of Enfield was prepared for any repairs that needed to be done, especially with temperatures fluctuating in the past 24 to 36 hours.

“This type of weather is so unpredictable, you do have to plan for all types of issues,” she said.

In Newington, the stop and shop on Fenn Road had a sprinkler pipe burst. Store officials say this caused a temporary closure but was able to reopen to customers. Hartford fire officials says since 5 p.m. Saturday, they responded to at least 25 burst pipe calls. New Haven fire officials says it has responded to at least 21 such calls since midnight.

Zoppo-Sassu says homeowners should take preventive measures for their pipes at home, so they’re ready for the next deep freeze.

“Wrapping pipes. Keeping pipes warm. Opening cabinet doors. Being aware of pipes that run through crawl spaces,” she said.

Big Y says it expects the store in Enfield to reopen tomorrow for shoppers.

The American Red is offering ways homeowners and businesses can prevent their pipes from freezing.

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