Subzero temperatures in Metro Detroit can cause even interior pipes to freeze causing water damage due to burst pipes.
The comforts of a cozy home can help you forget about the lack of sunshine and bundling up like the Abominable Snowman. The pipes at risk are the ones in unheated interior sections of your home such as the attic, garage or basement. Oftentimes even pipes that are under cabinets or on exterior walls will freeze.
We often think about bundling ourselves up or our kids but what about our home’s pipes? To help you prepare for the colder weather now and for the months ahead, here are some guidelines designed to keep old man winter from ruining the season.
According to the IIBHS, a burst pipe can cause more than $5,000 in water damage! Fortunately, there are things you can do to protect your pipes from the bitter cold. Pipes located near outer walls may be in danger of freezing in extreme temperatures.
- Let water drip from hot and cold faucets to keep pipes from freezing
- Open cabinet doors to let warm air circulate to places where pipes exist such as below sinks
- Keep the thermostat set to the same temperature during the day and at night. This is not the time to save a few extra bucks!
- Exposed pipes, such as those found in attics, basements, or crawlspaces, may require extra insulation around them
- Seal cracks and openings around windows, doors, and at the sill plates where the house rests on its foundation to prevent drafts
If a pipe has frozen or you have a burst pipe, turn off the water at the main valve, this is usually at the water meter where the main line enters the house. If the pipes have not yet burst you can take the following precautions but if you believe the problem to be more serious, call a professional at Advance Restoration.
Turn the faucet on. As the frozen pipe is heating and the ice jam begins to melt you will want the water to flow through. Even a cold pipe will begin to melt as the water runs through it.
Apply heat to the pipe. Using towels soaked in hot water or an electric heating pad to wrap around the pipe. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane, charcoal stove or anything with an open flame as high heat will burst the pipes or cause a fire. Continue to apply heat until full water pressure is restored.
Being prepared can make cold weather mishaps a thing of the past but if you find you are unable to remedy the situation resulting in a burst pipe causing water damage, call the professionals Advance Restoration—We’re there when you need us.