Don't Let Your Pipes Freeze!

2/1/2021 (Permalink)

Now that winter is in full swing, we need to be concerned about keeping the pipes in our home WARM! In winter, a whole new list of home maintenance tasks fills our “To Do” lists. Ensuring that our homes are properly insulated is not only important for keeping energy costs down but it is a necessity for protecting our property from damage due to frozen and burst water lines.

Easily neglected and taken for granted are the pipes that supply our home with fresh running water. These pipes are often made of soft copper or PVC and are extremely vulnerable to freezing conditions. If any of your pipes are ran through a crawl space or attic they might be at an especially high risk of freezing due to a lack of insolation and by not being enclosed in climate a controlled space. An easy way to protect these pipes is by applying special pipe insulation directly to the exposed areas.

Aside from the inconvenience of running water that can be caused by frozen pipes, an even greater risk of damage exists when these pipes freeze and then burst. When water freezes inside the pipe it causes pressure to build between the blockage and closed faucet. This pressure can build so much that the line will actually rupture. A crack as small as 1/8^th inch can cause up to 250 gallons of water to flood your home in as little as 24 hours.

Mother Nature has a knack for attacking us where we are the most vulnerable and unsuspecting. If she happens to stick you with a sucker-punch, just know that SERVPRO of Fairfield County is there to help at any time in any season.