What You Need to Know About Freezing Pipes
Updated: Feb 17, 2022
Every year an average over 250,000 Americans experience property damage due to burst pipes. Frozen water in pipes expands, causing risk of breaks and fractures. Free flowing water can do a lot of damage in a short amount of time. Knowing a bit about frozen pipes and how to prevent them can go a long way in saving you from a water damage disaster.
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Risks & Damage
Every year an average over 250,000 Americans experience property damage due to burst pipes.
An average insurance claim costs $7,479.
Water damage from freezing and broken pipes is the biggest source of home damage in winter months.
Leaks can quickly lead to mold growth if not taken care of promptly.
Proper Care
To avoid freezing pipes indoors, keep your thermostat consistent day and night.
Let cold water drip from a faucet to relieve pressure when there are freezing temperatures outside.
If you’re planning on taking a trip away from home, do not set the thermostat below 55 Degrees F.
Open cabinet doors in the kitchen, bathroom, etc. to let warm air circulate.
Keep garage doors closed.
Protect exposed pipes with more insulation. Common areas are crawl spaces, basements, and attics. Use foam pipe insulation sleeves or pipe insulation tape.
Close vents to any crawl space preventing inside heat from leaking.
Seal cracks around windows and doors to prevent drafts from entering the home.
Outdoors, disconnect garden hoses and drain excess water. Be sure to winterize home sprinkler systems.
In freezing temperatures, shut off water to outside faucets and drain excess water.
If you have a sump pump be sure to check the pipes for any outer blockage like ice or snow to avoid backup from entering the home.
Shut off and drain any water lines to swimming pools, garden ponds, or fountains.
Know where water shut-off valves are located so that you know how to turn them off if there is a water emergency.
Know Who to Call
If you you have started the clean-up process from a leak and it is evident that there is flooding and water damage, then it is time to call in the professionals. Water Restoration and Mitigation Specialists will come in to remove, clean-up, and dry out your home. Remember, time is critical when it comes to water damage.
You will also want to call a reputable plumber to fix or repair burst pipes and an electrician if there is electrical damage. Trying to make repairs without the proper training or knowledge can be dangerous. Calling in the experts is your best chance at getting the job done safely and efficiently.
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A burst pipe can certainly spell disaster in the winter months. However, taking preventative measures can do a lot in reducing damage.
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