Simple Yet Effective Steps To Prevent Water Damage From Burst Pipes

By Author: Leo Nov
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While leaks can result from old, rusted pipes, pipe bursts due to frozen pipes are very common during winter. If you discover that your pipes have become frozen but they have not yet burst, you should be aware that they are very likely to do so unless you do something right away.
To prevent potential water damage from frozen pipes, you should:
Turn off water supply
Switch off the valve of the main water supply line and leave all water faucets running to drain the water out of the system.
Let the Pipe to Thaw
Make sure to open the faucet closest to the frozen pipe so the melted ice can run through. Warm the frozen pipe by applying a hot water bottle or using a hair dryer. Start the application of heat at the section of the pipe that is nearest to the faucet and then move your way toward the coldest sections of the pipe. Make sure not to use a hairdryer if there is standing water in the room. Also, never use any source of heat with an open flame to thaw out frozen pipes.
Protect Your Belongings
Don't wait for your furniture and other belongings to get damaged by flooding or a massive ...
... water leak. Remove them from the affected area where water may enter should the frozen pipe bursts.
Proper Pipe Care for Winter
A burst pipe can create serious water damage to your home and belongings that might call for repair and restoration work that can cost thousands of dollars. The good news is, you do not have to experience this kind of misfortune just by following these preventive tips:
1. Insulate: All water supply pipes should be insulated, most especially those that are exposed such as pipes in your attic space, crawl spaces and those running at the sides of your water tank. You may also use a heat tape to wrap the pipes. If you do this latter option, use only a quality product and make sure to observe all of the manufacturer's instructions.
2. Maintain ideal temperature inside the home. When the temperature outside drops, the temperature in the basement should be at least 55 degrees. To keep uninsulated kitchen sink pipes from freezing, leave the cabinet doors open to expose them to warm air. Check for any openings in your home that could let cold air in and seal these gaps. Sometimes, even the tiniest leaks can allow extremely chilly air that can be cold enough to cause water supply pipes to freeze.
3. If you will be away from home for a while, ask someone you trust to visit your home once in a while to make sure the inside is still warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing. Remember not to switch off your home's heating system if you'll be travelling.
4. Inspect. Do a regular inspection of your home. You should know which parts of the house are not heated well or does not receive adequate heating. Make it routine to check your plumbing fixtures. If you have no idea about plumbing whatsoever, call your trusted plumber to do regular maintenance work so everything is kept in good condition.
Should burst pipes still happen, you should call a professional restoration company and seek for a plumber to fix the damages.
Leo Nov is an editorial staff member of RestorationSOS.com, a leading service provider for water damage cleanups. To learn more about water damage and water removal, visit RestorationSOS.com