LANSING, Mich. – Recent frigid temperatures in Mid-Michigan have resulted in significant plumbing issues for homeowners, particularly affecting mobile homes, which are more vulnerable to freezing pipes and water damage. Plumbers in the region report a surge in service calls, with many residents facing costly repairs due to burst pipes and broken water lines.
Doug Devine, the owner of Devine Plumbing and Same Day Drain Service, has witnessed an influx of plumbing emergencies, particularly from manufactured and mobile home owners. “At least a dozen calls are still coming in,” he noted, emphasizing the unique challenges faced by mobile homes. The structure’s design allows more air circulation beneath the home, increasing the risk of pipe freezing.
Aaron Capitano, a technician from Roto Rooter and a long-time mobile home resident, understands the anxiety homeowners experience during such crises. “If you have no water, your major worry is what can I do to get my water going,” he said, reflecting the concerns many are feeling.
Devine highlighted the importance of proper maintenance of skirting around mobile homes. He advised homeowners to ensure their skirting is intact, as damaged skirting can expose plumbing to freezing conditions. “A lot of the water lines are closer exposed to the skirting,” he pointed out.
The risk of plumbing failures isn’t limited to mobile homes. Traditional homes are also susceptible to potential catastrophes, as illustrated by the experience of Aaron Underhill, service manager at American Plumbing. He recounted a case where a frozen furnace led to extensive flooding, stating, “When we got there, nothing could be done.”
Both Devine and Underhill recommend that homeowners seek professional help immediately instead of attempting DIY thawing methods, which can increase the risk of house fires. According to Capitano, a typical misconception among mobile homeowners is that allowing water to drip will prevent pipes from freezing. However, during extremely low temperatures, this approach can lead to frozen sewer lines.
As the cold weather persists, homeowners are encouraged to assess their plumbing systems proactively and maintain proper insulation to avoid expensive repairs in the future. The backs of their actions now could save them from considerable stress later.
Stay updated with local news and weather by downloading the News 10 mobile app and subscribing to their newsletter or YouTube channel.