December 27, 2018
Frozen pipes present a danger to homeowners because these pipes can crack and release around 250 gallons of water each day. A flood of this magnitude can cause extensive water damage and may also be a breeding ground for mold.
Although the potential for damage from flooding is serious, there are things that homeowners can do to protect their homes from suffering this catastrophic event. First, identify pipes that are susceptible to freezing. Then, you must insulate both the hot and cold water supply lines. These include pipes that are located under the kitchen and bathroom sinks, in the basement, in the garage, in the attic or in the crawl spaces.
CIf the pipes are exposed, they will need a special type of insulation. You will need to make sure that you only use products that were created specifically for this purpose. Outside hoses can present a danger to your home as well. Make sure that these hoses are kept outside and that you drain them so that water is not allowed to freeze inside of these items.
Some people leave their homes for the winter, but if the temperature drops, your pipes can freeze and burst while you are away. To prevent this from happening, set your thermostat to at least 55 degrees. You can also turn the water system off before you leave. Asking a neighbor to regularly check on your home is another good plan too.
Sometimes, people cannot prevent their pipes from bursting, so their homes sustain significant water damage. This scenario is an emergency situation, and the services of a home restoration professional would be instrumental in repairing the damage done to these homes.
