Prevent Frozen Pipes

11/3/2015 (Permalink)

Home is frozen after pipes burst.

According to the Insurance Information Institute, winter storms are the third largest cause of catastrophic claims behind hurricanes and tornados. Winter damage and freezing account for almost 22% of homeowner’s claims, averaging $4,024 a claim. A crack as small as one-eighth inch in a pipe can spew as much as 250 gallons of water a day.

The science behind it is simple. We've seen it when we leave a coke can in the freezer too long and it bursts. Ice takes up about 10% more space that liquid does. But surprisingly, it isn't the expansion of ice that causes the pipes to burst. When there is an ice blockage in your pipes, the water between the blockage and the water main can recede back to the main. It has somewhere to travel. But the water between the blockage and the faucet builds pressure. If you leave a trickle in the faucet when temperatures drop below 20 degrees, it alleviates the pressure. 

It's very important if you are traveling for the weekend or the holidays that you turn off the main water valve. However, if you don't empty the pipes after, you can still come home to a mess. Remember, the water that is still in the pipes can freeze and cause the pressure needed to burst. 

You should also leave the cabinet doors under the sink open, especially if your sink is on an exterior wall. This allows warm air to circulate in the cabinet. The same is true of your laundry room. 

When your home is being threatened by water damage from a burst pipe or any type of water damage from flooding or leaks, SERVPRO of Cookeville has the expertise to prevent or mitigate the devastating effects water damage can have in order to help preserve and restore your property. We have the equipment and experience necessary to handle the most challenging water damage and removal situations and are available around-the-clock. We concentrate on safely drying, deodorizing and disinfecting the areas flooded or damaged by water. When fire and water take control of your life, we help you take it back.

Contact SERVPRO of Cookeville/Carthage/Smithville/Woodbury Regarding Your Water Damage Emergency (931) 528-9292