Northeast Property Restoration
February 7, 2020
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Frozen Pipe Prevention & Detection

Frozen Pipe Prevention & Detection | Winterizing a property is very important especially here in upstate New York. One of the most important areas are the plumbing pipes. Frozen pipes can be dangerous as well as costly.

Water expands as it freezes, thus placing massive amount of pressure on the pipes until they cannot hold. When this happen the pipes burst, spewing gallons of water into your property.

Frozen pipe prevention is very important. Below we will go over prevention tips, signs of frozen pipes, and what to do if a pipe does burst.

1. Pipes Susceptible to Freezing

Pipes that freeze more frequently are:

Exterior pipes that are exposed to the cold. Swimming pool supply lines, water sprinkler lines, and water faucets.
Unheated interior pipes located in the basement, crawlspace, garage, or kitchen and/or bathroom cabinets.
Pipes that run against exterior walls with no insulation.

2. Pipe Freeze Protection

Prepare before winter weather hits with these tips:

Drain swimming pool and sprinkler water lines.
Drain and remove exterior hoses and faucets.
Add pipe insulation to interior pipes located in the basement, crawlspace, attic, kitchen, and bathroom.
Relocate pipes that are exposed to the cold.

3. Pipe Freeze Prevention

When the weather outside is frightful:

Keep the thermostat above 55 degrees at all times.
Let the cold water drip from the faucets.
Leave the kitchen and bathroom cabinets open to allow the warm air to circulate.

4. Frozen Pipe Detection

How do I know if my pipes are frozen?

A bad smell is emulating from the faucet.
Frost has accumulated on the pipes.
Little to no water is coming out of the faucet.

5. How to Thaw Frozen Pipes

Shut off the water and electric in case the pipe bursts. Keep the faucet open as you treat the pipes.
Turn up the heat in the home.
Apply heat to the section of the frozen pipe by using a heating pad, hair dryer, space heater, or wrap in warm water soaked towels.
Call a plumber if you cant access the frozen pipe area.

6. A Pipe Has Burst, Now What?

A pipe has burst in your property and water is all over the floor. What now?

Shut off the water and electricity (if necessary).
Call a plumber.
If you have an extractor start to remove the water.
If you have fans face them on the saturated area/s.
Call Northeast Property Restoration, 24/7 call service to come within the hour to evaluate the damage, remove affected material, and dry-out the areas.

Frozen Pipes

Upstate New York and Pennsylvania go through harsh winters. Therefore, it is extremely important to winterize your home or property. One of the most damaging issues arise from a pipe that has burst. In following the steps above you can protect and prevent your property’s pipes from freezing.

However, if you have not taken the steps of prevention and a pipe does burst contact Northeast Property Restoration today. With our 24/7 emergency response we will be there within the hour to assess, cleanup, and dry-out your property, thus avoiding the high probability of mold growth.