An unusually extended period of very cold weather has put pressure on plumbing in the area — the kind of pressure that comes from water freezing in pipes.

It has been a horrible winter for heating and water systems, said Newtown plumber Pete Wlasuk of Pete’s Plumbing. He has received many more emergency calls regarding frozen pipes this winter than in previous years.

“It’s a nuisance,” said Mr Wlasuk, as he tries to fit emergency calls in to his regular clientele needs. It is the addition of wind to the below freezing temperatures that is creating the most havoc this year, he said. Pipes that have been fine through many other cold winters are not able to withstand the extended period of very cold weather New England has endured the past two months. Pipes near exterior walls, poorly insulated attics or garage area, and other exposed pipes are being put to the test now — and that means numerous panicked calls to area plumbers, Mr Wlasuk said.

Water expands as it freezes, putting great pressure on pipes, whether they are copper, steel or plastic. When home temperatures are set below 55 degrees, or when an unexpected and untended power failure cuts the heat supply during a spell of frigid weather, water supply pipes in unheated home spaces can freeze and crack. Pipes in unheated basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or under kitchen cabinets against an exterior wall are most at risk, as are any exterior wall pipes with little or no insulation.

The pressure of frozen water may cause a pipe to burst at a joint. Other cracks may not be obvious until the frozen water begins to thaw and flow — right out the crack and into the adjacent space.

The American Red Cross offers cold weather advice to keep water where it belongs — in the pipes, not on the floor:

*Keep garage doors closed if there are water supply lines in the garage.

*Open kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing, removing any harmful cleaners chemicals to a place that is out of the reach of children.

*When the weather is very cold outside, let cold water drip from the faucet served by exposed pipes. Running water through the pipe, even a trickle, helps prevent pipes from freezing.

*Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during both the day and at night. It may mean a higher heating bill, but 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 55° F.

Even preventative measures are not always enough, though. Should pipes freeze, open the faucet in that area. Check all other faucets for additional frozen pipes.

Apply heat to the section of frozen pipe, using an electric heating pad wrapped around it, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, nor other open flame device.

If it is not obvious where the frozen section of pipe is located, or if the pipe does not seem to thaw, call a licensed plumber.

Mr Wlasuk remains optimistic through it all: “Spring,” he said, “will come.”