Let SERVPRO® of Southeast El Paso/Butterfield Help You Keep Your Pipes from Bursting

11/10/2020 (Permalink)

Tips and Tricks to Prevent Your Pipes from Bursting

As we continue to list safety ideas for you to consider this coming winter, we have one today that carries a little more potential for costly damage due to the nature of when and where the disaster can occur. Frozen water pipes in your home can be a costly and damaging incident that can be prevented with some vigilance and preventative measures. Yes, even southern Louisiana winters carry the potential to wreak havoc in homes and commercial properties with frozen or burst pipes. So, let’s make sure you are as safe as possible this season by informing you of some well-known tips and tricks to keep your water flowing and your pipes safe and sound.

First, let’s talk about the what, how, and why of frozen pipes. As many of you know, when water freezes it expands. In cases of extreme cold, ice can expand to the point of breaking through or bursting your pipes that have water sitting in them.

Crawl spaces, attics, garages and similar places that are more exposed to the outside temperature without insulation are the most likely areas where pipe breakage will occur. So for these areas, it is important to drain the supply lines or remove the hoses that are commonly left in the cold. Swimming pools and water hoses are easy areas to begin the process. Speak to plumber about having insulation, or perhaps a pipe-sleeve, added to trouble areas. Keep the garage door closed if water supply lines are inside.

If you suspect a pipe is frozen but not broken, it is possible to thaw the pipe and resume regular use. An indicator that a pipe is frozen is water trickling from a faucet when it would normally flow fast and free. If you locate a section you believe to be frozen, apply a heating pad or hair dryer while keeping the faucet open. If the water begins to run after some time warming, you found the area!  If you can’t never try something you are not comfortable with. Call a plumber and have an expert do the work. You can also ask for quotes on proper insulation for your pipes so they don’t freeze again in the future.

If need any assistance, call SERVPRO of Southeast El Paso/Butterfield right away!