Protect Your Home This Winter
When temperatures fall below below freezing, there is always the risk of freezing pipes, especially if the pipes are exposed to cold air or not properly insultated. While if you have pipes break and water damage we can help you get rid of the damaged and ruined items in your home, we’d rather help you prevent frozen pipes from happening at all!
1. Insulate, Insulate, Insulate: Make sure that any pipe exposed to colder temperatures are well insulated and that the areas where pipes are located are also insulated. You can get pipe insulation at any hardware store. All pipes are suspectible to freezing and breaking – so don’t forget pvc pipes also.
2. Consider Electric Heat Tape: Usually recommended for pipes in crawl spaces or unheated areas, electric heat tape can help keep pipes from freezing. Be sure to follow the cautions and directions on the package carefully and that only indoor tape is used indoors and outdoor tape is only used outdoors. Electric heat tape is also available at most hardware stores.
3. Seal Drafts: Even a tiny leak of air in severe cold weather can cause pipes to freeze. Using caulk or insulation can help. Check around all doors, windows, and any vents.
4. Shut Off Outside Water Sources: Many homes are equipped so that water for garden house faucets or other outdoor water supplies can be turned off. Turning the water off for these can help prevent any water collecting in the pipes and freezing when exposed to the outside air.
What to Do if Your Pipes Freeze:
If your pipes freeze, you may notice you turn the water on and nothing comes out of the faucet. Leave the faucets on and call your plumber to reduce chances of the pipes breaking.
Never attempt to thaw pipes using a torch or anything with an open flame, as it is possible for you to not only burn down your home, but also puts you at risk for carbon monoxide poisoning. If the pipes are not broken yet and there is no standing water, you may attempt to use a hairdryer on a low setting and begin thawing the pipes starting at the faucet and then moving along towards the coldest section of the pipe.
If Your Pipes Burst:
If your pipes burst, the first thing to do is to turn off the main water supply valve to your home. If you are unable to do this yourself or locate it, calling your water supply company may be able to help. Calling a plumber is recommended for them to assess the damage and to repair the burst pipes. The plumber will also be able to help you prevent freezing pipes from happening again.
You will also want to assess any damage that has occurred from the frozen pipes. You may want to call your homeowner’s insurance agent to see if your policy covers water damage from frozen pipes. You will also want to check floorboards, walls, and carpeting for water damage, because if these are left uncared for it may become susceptible for rotting and mold growth.
If you need help getting rid of flooded or ruined items, contact us for a free estimate. We can help make the clean up process a lot easier and save you the hassle or costs of renting a dumpster. Hopefully though you’ll follow these tips to prevent your pipes from freezing and won’t need us!
