Look Out for Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming in Dover this Winter

12/20/2021 (Permalink)

Frozen pipes will cause havoc if not taken cared of properly. SERVPRO techs have the training and understanding for every water damage restoration job

SERVPRO of Dover is Providing Guidance to Dover Residents for Avoiding Frozen Pipes and Ice Damming

The winter can be hazardous for your home as colder weather conditions, severe winds, and rain become more common. One of the principal concerns for homeowners during the winter months is plumbing. Below freezing temperatures can cause blockages in the plumbing to your home. When water freezes, it expands, which can cause the pipes containing them to burst or split. While plastic pipes generally offer more leeway against frozen water expansion, they can still break under intense pressure. Burst pipes can cause significant damages by:

• Cutting off the water supply, and central heating to your home 
• Flood water out of pipes leading to water damage
• Require expensive replacement of your plumbing system. 

The best methods of avoiding frozen pipes and ice damming in your Dover home are preventative. As cooler weather comes in, it is vital to perform maintenance checks of your plumbing to reduce the likelihood of pipes bursting. One method of reducing the probability of pipe bursts is to insulate your pipes in areas where they may be exposed to outdoor conditions. These areas could include lines that run exterior to the home or through garages and crawlspaces. Roofs and attics can also benefit from insulation which could prevent water tanks from freezing. Some of the most useful tips for avoiding frozen pipes include:

• Maintaining central heating during periods when you are away from the property. Keeping pipes running and providing heating may feel expensive but is essential to preventing frozen pipes.
• Shutting off the water supply to non-essential plumbing such as water sprinklers or swimming pools as these are common areas that can cause harm. 
• If pipes do freeze- often denoted by low or drip-level pressure when faucets are opened- you can melt the ice inside lines by using a hairdryer or portable heating in areas where pipes are frozen- such as garages. 

Protecting your home during the winter can help save thousands of dollars in repair. If you need assistance with any property damages, contact SERVPRO of Dover / Stillwater at (973) 810-2825.