Restoration For Frozen and Burst Water Pipes in Colorado Springs and
Leadville
Dropping winter temperatures can cause extensive water damage as pipes
begin to freeze and burst, causing damage to walls, ceilings, floors,
carpets, furniture and other
possessions. Even a small crack in your water
pipe can leak enough water to flood your home. In fact, in just one
day, 250 gallons of water can be discharged from a pipe crack as small
as 1/8 inch. So, it is imperative to be proactive and take action to
protect your home.
Immediate Strategies to Prevent Water Damage from Frozen Pipes
Before extreme weather strikes, prepare your home to prevent water
damage before it occurs. When temperatures dip, take immediate action
to prevent water damage:
-
Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around
water pipes.
-
Open taps throughout the house to allow water to drip and to keep water
pipes from freezing.
-
When going out of town, keep the thermostat at 55 degrees and ask a trusted
neighbor or friend to watch your home for possible leaks. Also, turn your
water off and drain water supply lines.
Keep in mind that homeowners’ insurance companies are more apt to pay your
water damage claim if you can show that you have done your due diligence and
maintained your property in a reasonable manner.
Long Term Strategies to Prevent Water Damage
Long term strategies for water damage prevention involve regular home
maintenance year round. Pipes in the water supply system that are exposed to
cold outdoor air are more likely to freeze and burst. The main water pipe
carrying water to your home is an example of such a pipe. Exterior wall water
pipes as well as attic pipes, basement or crawlspace pipes and garage pipes
are more liable to freeze and burst. With this in mind,
-
Check your water supply system regularly for possible leaks, cracks and
regular wear and tear.
-
Address property maintenance issues promptly, before they get out of hand.
-
Winterize and insulate water pipes to minimize the likelihood of
water damage
from frozen and burst pipes in your home.
-
Seal and caulk both air and water leaks to prevent water pipes from freezing
and bursting.
- Consider adding insulation to your attic, basement or crawlspace.
Prevent Frozen Pipes from Bursting
When pipes freeze in sub-zero weather and then thaw out as temperatures rise,
frozen pipes tend to crack and burst, which causes water leaks and flooding.
If you discover a frozen pipe in your home, you can still prevent it from
bursting and causing water damage.
- Turn off the main water supply.
- Turn and leave your water taps on.
-
Remove valuables and household possessions from the area that might be
exposed to water damage if the frozen pipe bursts.
-
Turn on the tap closest to the frozen pipe and gradually thaw out the ice in
the frozen pipe by melting it with a heat pack. Begin applying heat at the
area that is closest to the tap and slowly move further away towards the
rest of the frozen pipe.
Additional Information For Wintertime Water Damage Prevention
Frozen
Pipes – Prevention and Thawing
Call KW Construction and Restoration When Frozen Pipes Burst
If you are faced with an emergency water damage situation in your home or
business property, give KW Construction and Restoration a call at 719-301-3737. When dealing
with
water damage emergencies, Immediate
attention to the situation will minimize damage and prevent
further loss. For an immediate remedy to any frozen pipe situation,
contact us
immediately.