Preventing Frozen Pipes and Water Damage
10/25/2023 (Permalink)
Winter is a time to savor the warmth of your cozy home, but it's also a time when the cold can cause significant damage to your property. One of the most common problems during the winter season is frozen pipes, which can lead to costly water damage. To help you prevent these issues and keep your home safe, we've put together some helpful tips and information on how to protect your home from frozen pipes and water damage.
Prevention Tips
Here are several preventive measures that you can take to protect your home from frozen pipes and water damage:
Insulate Pipes: Wrap pipes in insulation or heat tape to keep them warm and reduce the risk of freezing. Pay attention to pipes in unheated areas, like your attic or crawlspace.
Seal Cracks and Gaps: Identify and seal any cracks or gaps around pipes or the foundation of your home using caulk or other insulation materials.
Keep the Heat On: Even when you're away from home, it's important to maintain some heat to keep pipes above freezing temperature. Don't set your thermostat lower than 55°F.
Open Cabinets and Doors: Help warm air circulate around pipes by opening cabinets and doors around areas where pipes are located.
Recovery Steps
In the unfortunate event that your pipes freeze or burst despite your prevention efforts, there are a few steps you can take to minimize the damage:
Shut Off the Main Water Supply: Turn off the main water supply to your home to prevent further damage.
Thaw Frozen Pipes: Use a hairdryer, heat lamp, or heating pad to gradually thaw the pipe. Never use an open flame as this can cause a fire.
Call a Professional: If the pipe has burst, or you don't feel comfortable thawing the pipe yourself, contact a plumbing professional right away.
Expert Services
In addition to taking preventative measures, our experienced team at SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis is also here to help with water damage cleanup and restoration in the unfortunate event of a frozen pipe burst. Our comprehensive services include:
Water Extraction: We utilize advanced equipment to quickly remove standing water from your property, preventing further damage and mold growth.
Structural Drying: Our experts employ specialized techniques to dry and dehumidify affected areas, ensuring thorough moisture removal and preventing secondary damage.
Mold Remediation: If mold growth occurs as a result of water damage, we have the expertise to safely remove and remediate mold, restoring a clean and healthy environment.
Repairs and Reconstruction: Our skilled team can handle necessary repairs and reconstruction, bringing your property back to its pre-damage condition.
By implementing preventive measures and having a trusted team like SERVPRO of Northeast Minneapolis by your side for water damage cleanup and restoration, you can be prepared to handle the aftermath of frozen pipe bursts effectively. Don't hesitate to contact us if you need assistance or have any questions. Our dedicated team is ready to assist you in restoring your property and peace of mind.