Flood Damage From Frozen Pipes and Plumbing

10/12/2016 (Permalink)

Not Yet Winter, But Burst Water Pipes Lead to Flooding in Your Home

Busted water pipes make up nearly half of all in-home flood damage. This type of flooding is often sudden onset and due to hidden leaks, corrosion, or freezing. The cost and inconvenience of a busted pipe make it essential to start prevention while you still can.

Flood damage in Madison can happen during any season. While most homeowners associate flooding with warmer weather, many of you know that the winter is a dangerous time for in-home floods as well. SERVPRO is well prepared to help you with your emergency during winter months as well as all other seasons.
 
Busted Pipes: Winter Prevention
The freezing of a water pipe makes it burst due to the stress it puts on the metal or plastic. To reduce the chance of suffering a busted pipe, you can take a few simple steps. First, it is crucial to know where to shut off the water. If a pipe bursts in your home, the most immediate course of action is to turn off that main water supply. Most can be found outdoors on the side of your home.
 
Second, make sure that your heating system is checked regularly. Also, inspect the insulation on all of your plumbing as well as your cold water tank. Units located in the attic and other vulnerable locations should be protected with insulated sleeves.
 
Third, keep your heat on throughout the winter months. We know that winter can make heating your home costly, but during harsh, cold months, the chances of your pipes freezing get greater as the temperature plummets.
 
Finally, make sure you shut off any external taps and disconnect water hoses outside. In very cold weather, occasionally turn on the outside tap to run some water through the hose to help prevent freezing.

What to Do if You Find a Frozen Pipe
If you see that one of your pipes are frozen, don’t wait around for it to burst or “thaw.” It won’t. What you need to do is immediately turn your water supply off to your home and slowly thaw the frozen pipe by applying a gentle, low heat to the area. You can use a hairdryer, hot water bottle, or even a space heater to accomplish this (never leave a space heater unattended). Never attempt to thaw a frozen pipe by using an open flame or other dangerous methods.
 
Contact Us
If you have run into an unfortunate flooding event due to frozen water pipes, we will take your call and help to minimize your anxiety. Our Emergency Services line means you can call us 24/7 when disaster strikes. Contact SERVPRO of Madison / Goodlettsville at (615) 868-5324.