Prevent Water Damage in Your Home from Frozen Pipes with These Helpful Tips from CLEAR Restoration
Pipe bursts are the number one cause of water damage in homes. It is not only a very stressful situation to endure but it can also result in flooding, water and structural damage, and mold growth. When a freeze warning is issued, be sure you take the proper steps to avoid frozen pipes and the risk of a pipe burst.
What Causes Frozen Pipes to Burst?
When water freezes, it expands. So, when freezing water expands in your pipes, the pipe itself expands and may even bulge. That is due to the pressure inside the pipes increasing, which can lead them to burst. You can tell if your pipes are frozen if they are bulging out or you see a layer of frost covering them.
Preventing Your Pipes from Freezing
When a freeze warning is issued, it’s important to prepare.
- Keep the garage doors closed, especially if that is where the water supply lines are located.
- Turn on the heater to a minimum of 55 degrees Fahrenheit. You may have a higher energy bill, but it will be cheaper than paying for the damages that a pipe burst would cause.
- If you are going out of town, it may be easiest to simply turn off your water system. But be sure to still keep your thermostat set to 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Turn on your faucet so that there is a small drip.
What Happens If Your Pipes Do Freeze?
If you turn on the faucet and no water comes out, your pipes are more than likely frozen. Frozen pipes can sometimes thaw on their own. However, you also run the risk of a pipe bursting. A frozen pipe does not always mean that there’s already been a burst.
Keep the faucet turned on to relieve the pressure as the ice melts. You now have two options:
- Call a plumber
- Try to thaw your pipe on your own
If you choose to thaw your own pipes, use a hair dryer or a towel soaked in warm water. Start from the top of the faucet and slowly start working your way down. DO NOT use a blowtorch or any open flame source to thaw out your pipes.
If a Pipe Bursts, Prevent Water Damage and Mold Growth
In the event of a pipe burst, you must act quickly. Shut off your water immediately to minimize the amount of damage. Take extreme precaution if there is standing water near electrical outlets because it may cause an electrical shock. Call CLEAR Restoration for immediate water damage restoration to prevent structural damage and mold growth.
CLEAR Restoration Offers 24/7 Emergency Water Damage Service
We are certified by the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) for water damage and mold restoration in Louisiana. Our crew is equipped with the best drying equipment and moisture detection meters available to ensure that your home is completely restored.
Stay safe this winter break and protect your pipes in the event of a freeze warning.
