Freezing Pipes Are A Pain:
Freezing pipes transition to bursting pipes. Ruptured pipes in a home brings gushing waters behind the walls and isn’t discovered until the break occurs. This results in extensive water damage that requires an immediate fix. So, as the weather begins to chill, this is when you need to take the precautions to avoid freezing pipes.
What Causes Freezing Pipes:
When water becomes stagnant, it becomes susceptible to freezing temperatures. The longer water sits, the less energy it contains and the more likely it is to cool in temperature. During the warmer months, the temperature outside brings naturally heated surroundings. During the winter months, the temperatures around a home’s pipes can easily reach below freezing. Without energy and without heat, pipes and the water contained within them absorb the freezing temperatures. Once water begins to freeze, it also begins to expand, threatening a breakage in the water line.
Winterizing Your Home:
There are simple steps you can take to winterize your home.
- Locate the shut-off valves and turn off the water that leads to the outside faucets. If you have a garden hose connected to the house, disconnect it during the winter and drain the pipes.
- Keep garage doors and crawl spaces closed.
- Keep the house consistently heated. Set your thermostat to a comfortable warm setting with your pipes in mind. Opening interior doors throughout the home can also help even temperatures within each room.
- Use pipe insulation and/or heating tape. Especially for pipes that are located in unheated rooms such as the basement, attic, and garage.
- Let faucets drip during extreme temperature drops. Running water carries energy, with it brings friction, and is less likely to freeze your pipes.
- Open cabinets in the bathroom and in the kitchen on occasions. When cabinets are shut, they receive less of the heat pumping through your home.
- Repair broken windows and seals. Keep the cold air out and the warm air inside.
Freezing Pipes Happen:
Partial water flow indicates that a pipe somewhere within the house is frozen. Low or slow water pressure coming from any faucet is a warning and demands your attention. Keep the drip going to help thaw the problem area. Remember, sitting water has no energy, while a moving stream carries energy with it, and can save your pipes.
We hate to see it, but it does happen – pipes freeze, pipes burst. Follow the steps to take care of your house during frigid temperatures. And if you’re visiting this page because you have experienced ruptured pipes and are in need of water damage restoration, we can get your house to better than pre-flood conditions right away.
Call us at 703-955-7556. Our 24/7 emergency team comprised of experts will guide you with ease of mind and handle your needs.
