Water Damage Woes in the Winter

12/28/2022 (Permalink)

Building up defenses for winter.

How to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Frozen pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage during the winter months, preventing them from freezing is important when it comes to reducing the risk of water damage and potential flooding. During periods of extreme low temperatures water within pipes can expand if given the chance to freeze, leading to a cracks forming in the pipe or it can completely burst. When the ice begins to melt, water pressure will begin to force water out of the pipe leading to significant damage that can cost you thousands in repairs.

Here are a Few Ways to Prevent Frozen Pipes

1. Insulating Your Pipes can Make a Large Difference

Make sure you get any pipes insulated that are located within uninsulated/unheated spaces such as attics, garages, and basements. Insulating your pipes helps keeps the temperature warm enough to prevent freezing instead of allowing the heat to escape in the air. By insulating your pipes your greatly decrease the chances of your water pipes freezing over and over all is significantly cheaper than dealing with potential water damage.

2. Draining Water From Outdoor Lines

It is important to shut off outdoor water lines and drain pipes, before the winter season begins. Another important task to preform is to make sure that all pool and sprinkler lines are free from moisture in the fall before the temperature gets to cold. Don’t forget to drain garden hoses and shut off all outdoor faucets.

3. Allow Water Faucets to Drip

When you allow a faucet to drip this can be an effective way to prevent frozen pipes. Don’t worry it’s not necessary to have all the water faucets drip, only faucets that get their water from uninsulated pipes.

4. Keep your Home or Business Warm

A simple way to prevent your pipes from freezing would be to simply keep your heat on. Inside temperatures should be around 70F. Keep interior doors open to ensure that the temperature is consistent throughout the structure and each room.

5. Seal Structural Cracks

It is vital to seal any cracks/openings on the structures exterior, around the windows, and doors to prevent air leaks. This helps prevent pipes from freezing during cold weather and as an added bonus bring down your energy bill.

Take Action

So if your home and/or business has been damaged because a pipe leak or burst caused by pipes freezing over, act quickly and give us a call as soon as you are aware of any water damage. Once you are connected to one of our specialists over the phone, we will dispatch a restoration technician to your location ASAP. You can count on SERVPRO of Southern Rockland County to complete the job to your satisfaction.