Freezing Pipes Can Cause Water Damage

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO of South Shasta County at 530-241-2424. We can assist you 24/7 on any emergency water damage.

Depending on their exposure to wind and the elements, pipes can freeze when temperatures are higher than 20 degrees. This expansion puts tremendous pressure on whatever is containing it, including metal or plastic pipes. No matter the strength of a container, expanding water can cause pipes to break.

Pipes that freeze most frequently are:

• Pipes that are exposed to severe cold, like outdoor hose bibs, swimming pool supply lines, and water sprinkler lines.

• Water supply pipes in unheated interior areas like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages, or kitchen cabinets.

• Pipes that run against exterior walls that have little or no insulation.

What can you do to prevent pipes from freezing and causing a water damage at your house?

1. Drain water from swimming pool and water sprinkler supply lines following manufacturer's or installer's directions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines unless directed.
2. Remove, drain, and store hoses used outdoors. Close inside valves supplying outdoor hose bibs. Open the outside hose bibs to allow water to drain. Keep the outside valve open so that any water remaining in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
3. Add insulation to attics, basements, and crawl spaces. Insulation will maintain higher temperatures in these areas. SERVPRO of South Shasta County can remove and replace insulation. Call for a free estimate.
4. Check around the home for other areas where water supply lines are in unheated areas. Look in the garage, and under kitchen and bathroom cabinets. Both hot and cold-water pipes in these areas should be insulated.

If you have a water damage because of frozen pipes, call SERVPRO of South Shasta County at 530-241-2424. We can assist you 24/7 on any emergency water damage.