When the weather gets so cold, most Florida residents don’t expect their pipes to freeze so most aren’t prepared. The trouble isn’t just a frozen pipe though; frozen pipes can lead to burst pipes and a burst pipe is classed as a water emergency! And suddenly, weeks right around the Holidays, you are faced with an unexpected water damage crisis! Avoid the havoc caused by burst or frozen pipes by following some simple winter care tips.
Go Outside:
Take a few minutes to do some basic checks around the home to help prevent a small leak from becoming a disaster. Look at your roof: are there any dislodged tiles? Is all your visible pipe work leak or drip free? Also check the insulation around water pipes in exposed areas. A small gap can easily mean a frozen pipe when temperatures hit minus degrees.
Check Gutters:
Clearing gutters and drainpipes of leaves to prevent blockages and overflows will help alleviate problems with water freezing and bursting in exterior pipes. This should be done throughout the year as a maintenance plan.
Drain & Disconnect Outdoor Hoses:
Detaching the hose allows water to drain from the pipe. Otherwise, a single hard, overnight freeze can burst either the faucet or the pipe it’s connected to.
Turn off the Water Source to the Exterior of Your Home:
Even in Florida, most people don’t water in the winter. Turning off the exterior water supply will prevent exterior pipes from freezing and bursting.
Seal Off Access Doors, Air Vents and Cracks:
Check the exterior and interior. Repair broken windows. Winter winds whistling through overlooked openings can quickly freeze exposed water pipes. Line gaps under doors. Don’t plug air vents that your furnace or water heater need for good combustion.
Go Inside Your Attic:
Make sure your attic is properly insulated. Most counties offer rebates for maintaining or installing proper insulation.
Insulate pipe, faucets & water tanks in unheated areas:
Frozen pipes can usually be prevented by keeping all the pipes in your house properly insulated. Usually wrapping the pipes in traditional foam insulation is adequate, provided that your home’s temperature does not get too cold. If you have pipes in an unheated garage, cold crawl space or attic, wrap the water pipes before temperatures decline. Hardware supply stores will have good wrapping materials available. Also, insulate the sides of your water tanks, especially if they are kept in an unheated garage.
Keep Your Home Heated:
In Florida, we are not too used to running the heat; however, keeping an ambient temperature of at least 50° F will help your home’s pipes survive sudden temperature changes.
Leave Water Flowing Through Susceptible Pipes:
A small flow of water running from a bathroom or kitchen faucet during the worst of the cold spell can help prevent faucets or water service lines from freezing. The water should be left running through the pipe susceptible of freezing. You can also leave your cabinet doors open to allow the heat of the house to help keep your pipes from freezing.
Know Where to Find the Master Shut-off Valve:
If a pipe bursts anywhere in the house, this valve can turn off the water. Most likely it’s where the water line comes into the basement or crawl space from the street. If you need help locating it, contact a certified plumber or contractor. Knowing where the water shut off is located can save you a great deal of hassle if there is ever a water related emergency in your home.
If You Go Away During the Winter:
If you are going out of town for an extended period of time, turn off the water to your house, drain the outside faucets and possibly leave the heating system on inside your house to keep pipes warm. This will help eliminate the threat of frozen pipes. If you’re away for a while, ask a friend or relative to check your home regularly to make sure that your pipes haven’t burst or frozen.
Emergency Kit:
Have a home emergency kit on standby containing torches, tinned food, warm clothing, blankets, and of course, your home insurance documents. In case of a flood caused by a burst pipe, this kit will help you and your family at a time of crisis.
What to do if You Find a Frozen or Burst Pipe:
If a pipe appears to be frozen, protect everything around it to avoid damage if it bursts. Immediately contact a certified water damage restoration company. If the pipe has burst, leave immediately and get your family to safety.
Pipes that burst due to frozen conditions can be prevented. Yearly maintenance and a thorough check through in the fall should help you protect your home and belongings from frozen pipe flood damage.
Advanced Restoration, Inc. is a Water Damage Palm Harbor, Mold Damage, Sewer Damage and Emergency Disaster Recovery Restoration Company in Tampa Bay, Florida. Company Services Include: WATER DAMAGE EXTRACTION and RESTORATION; FROZEN PIPES, BROKEN PIPES & BURST PIPES; MOLD REMOVAL and MOLD REMEDIATION; STORM DAMAGE RESTORATION; FLOODS; HURRICANE DAMAGE; SEWER DAMAGE; Complete Restoration Services. Residential, Commercial & Industrial structures in the Tampa Bay Metro Area, Sarasota County, FL and Manatee County, FL. 1-800-DRY-ME-OUT Contact Us!
