Preventing and Recovering from Frozen Pipes and Water Damage This Winter

10/8/2024 (Permalink)

As the winter months approach, the risk of frozen pipes and the subsequent water damage becomes a significant concern for homeowners and businesses alike. When water inside pipes freezes, it expands, increasing pressure within the pipe and often leading to cracks or bursts. The aftermath can be devastating, causing extensive water damage that requires immediate attention. In this blog, we’ll explore how to prevent frozen pipes, what to do if a pipe bursts, and how SERVPRO® can assist with water damage recovery.

Understanding the Risks of Frozen Pipes

Why Pipes Freeze: Pipes freeze when exposed to temperatures below 32°F (0°C), especially in unheated or poorly insulated areas like basements, attics, and exterior walls. When water inside the pipes freezes, it expands, putting pressure on the pipes and potentially causing them to crack or burst.

Consequences of Burst Pipes: When a pipe bursts, it can release hundreds of gallons of water into your home or business within minutes. The resulting water damage can affect walls, floors, ceilings, and personal belongings, leading to costly repairs and disruptions.

Prevention Tips for Frozen Pipes

Insulate Pipes

• Wrap pipes in unheated areas with foam or fiberglass insulation. Pay special attention to pipes in attics, basements, garages, and crawl spaces. Insulation helps maintain the temperature of the water inside the pipes, reducing the risk of freezing.

Keep Water Moving

• During extremely cold weather, let faucets drip slightly to keep water moving through the pipes. Even a small trickle can prevent water from freezing and relieve pressure that could build up if pipes do freeze.

Seal Cracks and Openings

• Seal any gaps or cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings that allow cold air to reach pipes. Caulking or spray foam insulation can be used to seal these areas, especially around windows, doors, and where pipes enter the building.

Keep the Heat On

• If you’re going to be away during the winter months, set your thermostat to at least 55°F (13°C). This helps ensure that the temperature inside your home remains above freezing, even when you’re not there.

Open Cabinet Doors

• In areas where pipes are located under sinks or inside cabinets, keep the doors open to allow warm air from your home to circulate around the pipes.

Use Heating Tape

• Apply heating tape to pipes that are particularly vulnerable to freezing. This tape contains heating elements that keep pipes warm during cold spells. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for safe use.

Recovery Tips if a Pipe Bursts

Shut Off the Water Supply

• Immediately turn off the main water supply to prevent further water from entering the pipes and exacerbating the damage.

Turn Off the Electricity

• If the water has reached electrical outlets, appliances, or circuit breakers, turn off the electricity in the affected areas to avoid electrical shock or fires.

Drain the Pipes

• After shutting off the water, open all faucets to drain the remaining water from the pipes. This helps relieve any remaining pressure and prevents additional freezing.

Call a Professional

• Contact a licensed plumber to repair the burst pipe. Once the pipe is fixed, you’ll need to address the water damage. This is where SERVPRO comes in.

How SERVPRO Can Help with Water Damage Recovery

Emergency Water Extraction

• SERVPRO offers 24/7 emergency response to water damage incidents. Our team arrives quickly to begin water extraction, removing standing water from your home or business to minimize further damage.

Drying and Dehumidification

• After water extraction, SERVPRO uses industrial-grade dehumidifiers and air movers to dry affected areas. This helps prevent mold growth and ensures that your property is thoroughly dried out.

Mold Remediation

• If water damage leads to mold growth, SERVPRO provides expert mold remediation services. We identify and remove mold, ensuring that your property is safe and healthy.

Structural Repairs and Restoration

• In addition to water removal, SERVPRO offers full restoration services, including repairing damaged walls, floors, and ceilings. Our goal is to restore your property to its pre-damage condition, making it “Like it never even happened.”

Contents Restoration

• SERVPRO also specializes in restoring personal belongings and commercial inventory damaged by water. We use advanced cleaning and drying techniques to salvage items that might otherwise be lost.

Frozen pipes and the resulting water damage can be a significant headache during the winter months. However, by taking preventive measures, you can reduce the risk of pipes freezing and bursting. If the worst happens, acting quickly and contacting professionals like SERVPRO can help mitigate the damage and restore your property efficiently. As the winter season approaches, ensure you’re prepared to protect your home or business from the risks of frozen pipes and water damage. And remember, SERVPRO of East Memphis is always here to help with expert water damage recovery services.