WASHINGTON — This winter has been rough on water pipes, and the problem is likely to get worse before it gets better. 

While Sunday’s warm spell provided a brief respite from the icy cold, the changing conditions could exacerbate the problem of broken pipes.

“Even when it’s getting warmer and then it’s going to drop back down it’s going to have an impact on our pipes. We expect to see more breaks,” says Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission Spokeswoman Ayoka Blanford.

The utility company has been getting a high volume of trouble calls, and it’s asking customers to sort out their problem before they call.

“If you’re calling about household pipes, please call a plumber. WSSC handles outdoor meters and outdoor pipes,” Blanford says.

To handle the increased number of calls, Blanford says personnel have been added to the call center.  

Also, WSSC reminds its customers that they can email trouble reports to EmergencyCallCenter@wsscwater.com. There’s also an app available for reporting water problems, which can be downloaded from the WSSC website.