My Pipes Are Frozen- What Do I Do Now?

10/28/2020 (Permalink)

Colder Weather = High Risk of Burst or Frozen Pipes. Are you ready for what to do next?

Ah, Frozen Pipes.

One of the costliest and most destructive problems for homes, happens during the colder seasons: Pipes that freeze, and then burst. Due to extremely cold temperatures, pipes become frozen, and can burst. Don't be surprised this winter. Take charge by being prepared on how to prevent frozen pipes in your apartments or house. Knowing what to do when temperatures take a sharp dive can help you avoid the expensive and messy results.

What Causes Frozen Pipes?

1. A quick drop in the temperature
2. Poor insulation around pipes
3. The thermostat set too low to heat the air in the home

Why does my pipe burst after it's frozen?

When water freezes, it expands. Inside the pipe, if there is too much expansion in one area, there is too much stress on the pipe which causes it to burst. It doesn't matter if it's plastic or metal. Pipes that freeze can burst and leak water everywhere, causing massive damage. Think about how expensive it would be to replace all of your flooring, having to toss out furniture or rugs, or having to remodel a kitchen/bathroom/basement due to water damage from a burst pipe. Many don't think that frozen pipes will happen to them, only to be surprised when they face a giant leak.

Pipes that are most susceptible to freezing are ones located nearest the severe cold, like those in unheated areas like a basement, attic, garage, kitchen cabinet or even pipes that run through exterior walls with poor insulation. On a cold day and colder nights, these are the pipes that are most likely to freeze, burst and cause thousands of dollars in damage.

The Good News

There is action you can take to prevent frozen pipes from happening to you.

1. Make sure to remove and drain water from all outdoor hoses and sprinkler supply units this Fall or as soon as you can during the Winter. 
2. Identify and Insulate all pipes that are in areas of your home that are not heated, like the garage or basement. You can buy pipe sleeves to apply on the exterior of your pipes at most hardware stores.
3. Insulate your property. Not only will you stop your pipes from freezing, but you can also lower your heating bills substantially.

If you are experiencing a frozen pipe, let us know by calling SERVPRO of Southern Staten Island at (718)979-4100. We will be able to thaw out your pipe safely and prevent any floods from occurring.

If your pipes do break and result in flooding, our crews will be there in order to clean up the water and remediate damage. Remember: water damage is time sensitive. The sooner you call, the better your chances of saving your property and not having to replace your items and flooring.

SERVPRO of Southern Staten Island is a leading industry expert in providing water restoration services. If you have any questions or concerns, give us a call at (718)979-4100.