Winter Is Coming, Avoid Frozen Pipes!

12/16/2020 (Permalink)

Frozen Water Line

Winter is upon us in Illinois and with that is temperatures start to plummet. So is the risk of your pipes freezing and bursting during this season. In fact, burst pipes are one of the most common causes of property damage during frigid weather and can cause thousands in water damage—easily $5,000 or more, according to the Insurance Institute for Business and Home Safety.

The pipes most at risk are those in unheated interior spaces such as basements, attics, and garages. Pipes running through cabinets or exterior walls can freeze also. The good news is there are some simple things you can do to keep your water running and your house dry.

Pipe insulation can cost as little as 50 cents per linear foot at your local hardware store according to the IBHS. So for not much more than the cost of the aspirin you’d need, you can avoid the headaches of cleanup, loss of precious keepsakes, and the cost of your insurance deductible. Use the pipe insulation liberally to protect any vulnerable pipes.

Both the IBHS and the American Red Cross, which is in the business of emergency preparedness, have useful advice on how to prevent your pipes from freezing, as well as how to thaw them if they do.

When winter temperatures fall below freezing our phone volume goes up at SERVPRO due to frozen water lines bursting causing quite a lot of water damage. Many times this costly damage could of been prevented with some easy preventive maintenance steps.

1. As previously mentioned, pipe wrap to insulate the expose piping in the basement of your home. 

2. Seal/insulate all small cracks and openings in your basement. Wires and pipes run inside/out of homes and could leave small open spaces which will permit freezing wind to directly affect an area of pipe. That area could freeze and burst. This again is a simply and cost efficient way to keep the heat inside and the cold out.

3. During sub-zero temperatures, let susceptible faucets slowly drip. Running water through the pipes will prevent it from freezing. Also, open cabinet doors under the sinks to allow the home heat to circulate underneath. Again, a few degrees can make a tremendous difference.

SERVPRO of Effingham, Mattoon, Charleston is here to help with  all your fire, water & smoke cleanup and restoration needs. We are here for you 24 hours a day, 7 days a week!