Pipes proving to be no match for prolonged freezing temperatures

But we begin with problems for homeowners as the deep freeze grips our area. Pipes inside many houses are proving no match for these sub-zero temperatures. And in some cases, they are bursting, flooding homes. Yeah, today we're getting some advice from a plumber on what to do if you find that your pipes have frozen. Action News reporter Amanda Pitts live now in South Philadelphia with the details. Too many of us need to hear, Amanda. Yeah, hey Sarah and Brian. And this deep freeze is not only causing all of this snow and ice to stay put much longer than any of us want it to, but it's also causing pipes to freeze and burst. And we talked to people all across the city today who are dealing with just that. And a plumber who says he has never been busier. In Northeast Philadelphia, a burst pipe left this basement and everything in it coated with ice. Soaked and froze everything in their base, all their belongings in their basement. It's one example of many across our region. Pipes struggling to cope with this extended deep freeze. The water was like pouring out of this. Trina Hawks woke up to water in her basement yesterday on the 2500 block of South Eula in South Philadelphia. It took me about two hours to shop back and clean. And this was inches of water, like up to my ankles. Hawks and her husband bought their home two months ago and didn't expect to have to overhaul the plumbing. It was a shock by heart drop. In Point Breeze, Rahim Ballard's pipes on the 1300 block of South Chadwick Street are frozen too. And he's doing all he can to prevent them from bursting. The cold water works, but as soon as we flip it too hot, there's nothing. He set up a space heater under his sink and even used a hairdryer. I'm hoping it'll go out, but if not, then I may have to consider calling a plumber. This is really everything right here. Licensed master plumber Philip Reniger's phone has been ringing off the hook. This is how we're patching the city. He says the space heater trick is about the best thing you can do if your pipes are frozen. But if they're not, you can leave the water trickling or a steady stream at this point, and that may help it. But once it's frozen, the trickling trick does not really do much. Besides that, we're really just stuck waiting it out until the temperatures get warm. Now, once pipes thaw and things start to warm up, that plumber recommends that you insulate your pipes to avoid this headache the next time winter rolls around. Live in South Philly, Amanda Pitts, Channel 6 Action News. Brian? When will it get warm? That's the question. Amanda, thank you.