Don't Go Broke Fixing a Frozen Pipe

2/1/2022 (Permalink)

Heart breaking the cost of frozen pipes.

As the weather begins to transition into the colder months there are certain precautions homeowners should begin to take to keep their home safe under freezing conditions.

One of the most common headaches homeowners face during the colder months are frozen pipes. 

Have you ever placed a can of soda in the freezer and simply just forgot about it and by the time you realized you forgot the can has already exploded making a mess of your freezer?  Well, when water freezes in a pipe, it expands in the same way.  If it expands enough, the pipe bursts and water escapes leaving serious damage as a result.

Pipes in attics, crawlspaces, and outside walls are all vulnerable to freezing, especially if there are cracks or openings that allow cold, outside air to flow across the pipes.  Holes in an outside wall where television, cable or telephone lines enter can provide access for cold air to reach pipes.

Pipes tend to freeze after consecutive days and nights of freezing (32degrees Fahrenheit) and below freezing temperatures.

Frozen pipes should cause many homeowners concern, for bigger issues may and will arise.  If you are unaware of the status of your pipes or what are some clues of a frozen pipe here’s a few signs that may help you.

1. A slow stream of water, or no water at all coming through.
2. Visible frost on your pipes
3. Unusual loud sounds coming from your faucets
4. Strange odors coming from your faucets

If any of these signs appear then it likely means your pipes have burst.  If this is true, you must act fast, a few things you can do to prevent any further damage.

1. This first step is to always shut down your property’s main water supply. (Depending on the amount of water and location, you may want to first turn off electricity.)
2. If it’s heated water that’s coming from the broken pipe, you should also close the valve attached to your hot water heater.
3. After you’ve shut down the water, call a plumber for help with repairing or replacing the burst pipe.

During this time of need, make SERVPRO Southwest Portland your first call to help you and your local insurance agent assess the damage.  We will work for you to restore your property and your life to make it "Like it never even happened."