Avoiding Winter Water Damage

11/9/2017 (Permalink)

The water that flowed out of this window and froze was caused by an unprotected pipe that burst.

In Monmouth County, cold winter weather can usually come at us in a snap after a warmer, summer-like autumn. Because water expands when it freezes, pipes are especially susceptible to crack and burst from the resulting excess pressure.

That is why it is so important to make sure that you take the steps to prepare your house – especially your pipes, for the freezing temperatures.

Following are tips to get your house ready:

OUTDOORS: 

• Wrap outside faucets.
• Caulk around pipes where they enter the house.
• Disconnect garden hoses.
• Drain in-ground sprinkler systems.

 INDOORS:

• Let a stream of water run if the temperatures dip below freezing.
• Open cupboard and vanity doors in the kitchen or bathroom.
• Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature both during the day and at night. By temporarily suspending the use of lower nighttime temperatures, you may incur a higher heating bill, but you can prevent a much more costly repair job if pipes freeze and burst.
• Shut off and drain your water system if you are leaving the home for several days or more, and set your thermostat a temperature no lower than 55° F.

 IF YOU DO COME HOME TO FROZEN PIPES, THESE TIPS CAN HELP YOU

• If you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Likely places for frozen pipes include against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.
• Keep the faucet open. As you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt ice in the pipe.
• Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or by wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device.
• Apply heat until full water pressure is restored. If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you cannot thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.
• Check all other faucets in your home to find out if you have additional frozen pipes. If one pipe freezes, others may freeze, too.

Should you ever have a problem with water due to bursting pipes or any other reason, calling SERVPRO of Eatontown/Long Branch will get your home back to normal “Like it never even happened.”