Preparing For Burst Pipes Before Winter Arrives
Plumbing and restoration services are some of the busiest industries in winter as the demand for repairs from homeowners skyrockets. Unfortunately, even though older homes are more susceptible to burst pipes, newer properties aren’t safe from this hazard either. A few factors are responsible for the risk level of frozen pipes, such as the location of the pipes within your home and which insulation method protects them.
Weakened pipes leak or burst due to the expansion of freezing water. In addition, frozen pipes can further be damaged by cold weather. The guideline below explains how to identify potential risks and how to recover from financial loss due to frozen pipes.
How Do I Know If Pipes Are Frozen?
Prevention is vital before frozen pipes lead to costly damages and repairs. Keeping your thermostat at a minimum required temperature or consulting with a plumber are a few options for homeowners. However, identifying frozen pipes can be done in a few easy steps.
- Lack of water: If you turn on your faucets and no water comes out, this is a clear indicator of frozen pipes.
- Visible frost: If you have access to your pipes, you can check for the presence of ice on them and take notes or photographs of the sections with ice.
- Foul odor: Frozen pipes will block food waste from going through the drain, causing it to clog and emit a bad smell in the house.
How Do I Know If Pipes Have Burst?
- Examine the building’s interior: Scour each room individually and search for evident water leakage and damage. Look for signs of frost or condensation on any exposed pipes. Taking these steps is especially important for bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas, and unheated rooms within the building
- Turn faucets on and flush the toilets: Make sure they are working correctly, and there’s no off-putting odor or discoloration in the water. A frozen pipe that has burst might be evident if there’s a complete lack of water or it trickles out slowly.
- Inspect the water meter: Another sign of a burst pipe is when the water meter still indicates movement despite all fixtures in the building being off.
- Examine the building’s exterior: Water collecting in unusual spots or signs of sinkholes indicate a frozen pipe may have burst.
How To Prevent Frozen and Burst Pipes
As pipes are exposed to fluctuating weather conditions, they are more prone to freezing and bursting. Before frigid temperatures can take a toll on lines, it’s crucial to disconnect shut-off valves and turn them off. Locating your shut-off valve and understanding how to operate it properly is essential in minimizing risk. These two factors are excellent for saving money for repairs and lessening the likelihood of extensive water damage.
The quality of your pipe’s performance will decrease if there is water lying still in your pipes which can freeze. Homeowners can prevent this with a consistent trickle of water in their water taps. Water built up within pipes can also be controlled by periodically turning the tap on throughout the day. You may also regulate your pipe’s temperature by keeping your water insulated throughout the day.
Insulating pipes helps protect them from bursting. Insulating pipes within cold rooms, such as garages, attics, and basements, is essential. Insulation acts as a temperature regulator by keeping pipes warm on the inside and protects against expansion. A circulating pump is also a helpful installation tool that acts as an automatic temperature regulator.
How To Mitigate Damage And Losses From a Burst Pipe
In the unexpected event of a pipe burst, taking swift action is crucial to minimize damage and repair expenses.
- Shut the water supply off: As soon as you notice signs of a burst or water supply damage, turning off the water supply at the primary shut-off valve should be your first action. All residents within the property must know the exact location of the shut-off valve to the home’s water supply and learn how to operate it properly. It’s distinguishable by a red handle and is usually found in a bathroom, underneath the sink, in a closet, in a garage, furnace room, by a water tank, in a basement, or underneath stairs.
- Contact your city’s Fire Department: In case of a severe water leakage where the water valve can’t be located, contacting your city’s Fire Department is the best option. They should easily be able to find the water valve and even identity the location of the water leakage to prevent further damage.
- Clean up water and belongings: As long as it’s safe to do so, transport furniture and other belongings away from the flooded area and soak up as much leakage as possible using towels or mops. Fans and dehumidifiers will also effectively dry the wet spot and help prevent the onset of mildew. Avoid handling electronics that may have come into contact with the water.
Contact A Plumber
For personal safety and to avoid causing further damage, the homeowner should contact a professional plumber to inspect the burst pipe or plumbing system. They will be able to detect the location of the ruptured pipe and make the necessary repairs. The plumber may also sterilize and freshen up the area to protect against mold and odors due to moisture.
Contact An Electrician
Suppose you’re concerned the water may have come into contact with any electrical appliances or the electrical system in the house. In that case, the homeowner should shut off the electricity at the primary switch, and they should notify an electrician promptly. Sometimes, only switching off the circuit breakers in the wet areas is all that’s needed. But if you’re having doubts, it’s best to completely turn off the home’s power supply.
Speak To Your Insurance Provider
Look into the emergency coverage of your home or home insurance policy to evaluate your coverage, including emergency plumbing repairs, and inform them of the situation immediately. An agent will advise you on the best course of action and send a specialist to evaluate the damage. If you need more help with your claim or you feel that the insurance company isn’t working with you appropriately, call Crestview Public Adjusters today. We’ve helped hundreds of people successfully retrieve money from their insurance companies and we’d be honored to serve you as well.
