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Burst pipe at Brigham and Women’s Hospital causes evacuations – Metro US

Burst pipe at Brigham and Women’s Hospital causes evacuations

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Patients at Brigham and Women’s Hospital are being relocated and diverted after a pipe burst early Tuesday morning sent water flooding through a building at the campus.

The hospital said that the pipe burst occurred at about 6 a.m. on the 6th floor of the inpatient building. The burst caused flooding and impacted floors below.

“Currently, elective surgical procedures as well as cath lab and EP lab procedures are being postponed,” the hospital said in a statement.

Also, the Emergency Department is diverting patients to other hospitals and patients on impacted floors are being moved from the area to other parts of the hospital not affected by the pipe burst.

The extremely cold temperatures on Tuesday and over the past week have caused several pipes to burst, which have lead to flooding at various other buildings and streets in the city.

Patients whose appointments are being impacted will be notified by phone, but anyone with questions can call617-732-6636.

In response to recent instances of bursting pipes, the State Department of Fire Services offered tips on how to prevent and thaw frozen pipes.

“Despite yesterday’s comparably balmy temperature, we’re in the middle of another cold snap and frozen pipes are again a huge risk,” said State Fire Marshal Stephen Coan.

Prevention:

  • When the weather is very cold outside, let the water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe – even at a trickle – helps prevent pipes from freezing because the temperature of the water running through it is above freezing.
  • Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing. Be sure to move any harmful cleaners and household chemicals up out of the reach of children.
  • Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
  • If you will be going away during cold weather, leave the heat on in your home, set to a temperature no lower than 55ºF.

Thawing:

  • If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
  • Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.
  • Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.
  • Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
  • Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.
  • Be careful using space heaters to warm up areas near pipes. Don’t overload circuits. Try not to use extension cords but if you must, make sure they are rated for the appliance. Heat producing appliances need stronger extension cords than lamps.
  • Remember not to leave the door of a gas oven open; it will produce large amounts of carbon monoxide.
  • Be sure there are working smoke and carbon monoxide alarms on every level of the home.

Follow Michael Naughton on Twitter @metrobosmike.