Broken pipes – Causes and ways to prevent them

11/12/2019 (Permalink)

If you have a burst pipe in your home or business, call SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis. We are Here to help.

While we’re pretty sure it’s only November, the temperatures outside say otherwise. As our wind chills dip below zero, what comes to mind is how to protect our homes and businesses from those frigid temperatures.

When you have pipes in your home or business that are exposed to the cold temperatures, the water in them can freeze. When water freezes it expands, which causes wear and tear to your pipes over time. When the water thaws and full pressure is applied, that is what causes the pipe to burst. Water damage from a burst pipe can cause significant damage to your home or business. There are some things we can do as homeowners and business owners to protect our pipes that are most vulnerable to cold temperatures.

1. Keep your heat on
   1. While this may seem pretty obvious, make sure your heat is set to at least 50 degrees. A lot of homes suffer this type of water damage when they are away for a long period of time. Also, it’s a good idea to have a friend or family member check on your home periodically while you are away.
2. Allow your faucet to drip
   1. If temperatures have plummeted and you are concerned about a pipe freezing, let the faucet drip slightly as that will relieve pressure from the pipe.
3. Keep interior doors open
   1. -If you have concerns that the pipes under your sink could be exposed to the cold temperatures, open your cabinet doors to allow the heat in your home to get to them easier and keep them warm.
4. Seal up cracks and holes
   1. If you have any gaps or holes around pipes where they run through walls or floors, seal those gaps with caulk or spray foam insulation.
5. Add insulation if needed, especially in basements or attics.

If you have a pipe burst in your home, know where your water shutoff is and turn it off as soon as possible to prevent additional damage. Give SERVPRO of Cudahy/St. Francis right away so we can get out to your home or business sooner than later so we can get the water cleaned up. Also, give your insurance agent a call and notify them of the damage and find out whether your policy covers the damage. We work with several insurance companies, agents and adjusters so we can help communicate between all parties involved. We will get your home or business back up and running “Like it never even happened.”