Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

11/15/2018 (Permalink)

Winter Storm Preparedness: Prevent Frozen Water Pipes

Pipes Freezing

A water damage during a winter storm usually happens when your pipes freeze.  When water freezes, it turns into ice. As it turns into ice, the space that the water takes up in the pipe gets bigger.  The bigger the expansion, the more pressure that is created inside the pipe. Some pipes may just get bent out of shape, but others will eventually break.

The pipes that are most likely to freeze are those outside the home that are exposed to the cold air.

Other vulnerable pipes are those indoors that don’t have access to heat, like those under your kitchen cabinets or in the garage.

How to Keep Pipes from Freezing

The best way to handle a water damage is to never let one happen.  Although we have seen some pipes still burst even after precautions were taken place, the damage that resulted was considerably less. You can’t always prevent things from happening, but you can always be prepared.

• Before temperatures reach freezing, insulate exposed and vulnerable pipes.  You can do this by installing pipe sleeves or even wrapping the pipes with newspaper.
• Close the garage door to prevent cold air from coming in.
• Open kitchen and bathroom cabinets to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes.
• Keep your home heated above 55 degrees Fahrenheit.
• Keep an eye on the weather forecast.  Are freezing temperatures coming your way? 

Still Need Water Damage Services?

If your pipes freeze and you have a water damage, give us a call immediately.  A water damage that is not taken care of within 48 hours has a high probability of causing mold damage.

1. Don’t delay.  Call us as soon as you notice your water damage.  The longer water stands in a structure, the more it will soak into the floors and walls of your home.  As soon as you call, we will schedule a crew of technicians to travel to your home and begin remediation.  
2. Cut off the water source, if possible. 
3. Get contents off the floor.  Many homeowners rush to put down towels to stop the water flow, and that’s okay.  Towels can easily be cleaned at our cleaning facility if need be. What you want to look out for are small fragile textiles or objects on the floor that can be damaged by water.  Examples include rugs, shoes, and anything else that is light enough for you to carry.
4. Begin documentation.  Take pictures where you see the water coming from.  Then, take pictures of all the affected areas. Make note of the time this is taking place.  While our technicians will also take the same documentation, it's important to start documenting as soon as possible to prove your loss to your insurance company.

Water Damage Remediation Process

24 Hour Emergency

As soon as you see the signs of a water damage, give us a call. You can reach us anytime of the day or night at 802-655-7797. 

Water Damage Certification

Trust a company with trained and experienced technicians.  Our employees begin their career with us by first passing the SERVPRO water mitigation training.  Then, they advance to earn their IICRC Water Damage Certification. The IICRC is an independent certification body for the restoration industry and a trusted leader in water damage training.  

Our technicians are trained and ready to help you now.  We are the water damage restoration experts you can trust.

Trusted Leader in Water Damage Restoration in Colchester Vermont

SERVPRO of Winooski/Stowe is a water damage restoration and fire and smoke damage restoration company locally owned and operated in Vermont. Our current location opened its doors 11 years ago.  

Our crews are available 24 hour emergencies every day of the year. We can be reached 24/7 at 802-655-7797.  Call us anytime!