Frozen Pipe Season
When freezing temperatures start rolling in, one of the main culprits for water damage within a home is the failure of a frozen pipe. Low temperatures cause pipes to break and burst, which can lead to an intrusion in many areas of the home. Thankfully, there are some precautionary steps you can take help prevent this issue. We’ll detail this info below:
Actions you can take to prevent pipes from freezing:
- Drain outdoor hoses and shut off supply to faucet outside.
- Seal pipe openings in walls and attics.
- Increase insulation around pipes where pipes may be isolated from the heat inside (attics, crawl spaces, drop ceilings, outside rooms).
- Repair window and door seals to prevent cold air flow.
- Keep thermostat at no lower than 55 degrees to facilitate warm air circulation.
In extreme cold snaps there are extra steps you can take:
- Open cabinets to allow warm air to flow to pipes. Be sure to secure any harmful chemicals.
- Allow faucets to drip.
- Drain all pipes and shut off water. This is not as practical, but if you are away from the home and can have someone check on it periodically it may help.
Finally, here are some steps to take if you suspect that you have a frozen pipe in your home:
- Shut off main water valve.
- Leave faucets open until repairs can be made.
- Call a plumber.
- If you need to report a possible claim, call your insurance agent.
We hope this information helps and can prevent a possible pipe problem in your home. If you do have a water intrusion that is a result of the burst pipe, please call us here at Built and we can work together to get your home dry and back in order.
