Frozen and Burst Pipe Water Damage Restoration Explained

4/27/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Is there hope for frozen and burst pipes in residential or commercial property? Here’s more information from the water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO of West Fort Worth, Texas.

Every season, the team at SERVPRO of West Fort Worth, TX, sees frozen or burst pipes wreaking havoc on local plumbing systems. Are there solutions for residential and commercial property owners? The water damage restoration experts at SERVPRO discuss the problem in more detail below.

Four Tips for Water Damage Restoration To Handle Frozen and Burst Pipes

Water damage restoration is sometimes the only solution to frozen or burst pipes. Repairs are sometimes complicated by other factors, including inclement weather, but there are a few options on hand. The experts at SERVPRO of West Fort Worth, Texas, offer four tips for handling frozen and burst pipes in the area.

#1 What to Do When a Frozen Pipe Bursts

Before calling a commercial cleaning service or one of the local water restoration companies, like SERVPRO, minimize damage caused by a burst pipe with these tips:

• Shut the water supply. It is a great idea to know where the valve is to the main water supply on the property before an emergency. Turn it off as soon as the leak or freeze issue becomes apparent.
• Call a water or building restoration service. Water damage restoration is a specialist’s job, and incorrect flood cleanup or mold remediation can result in much bigger problems. It might mean hiring someone for mold removal or extra air duct cleaning service when hidden problems affect the health of the building’s occupants.
• Mop if it’s safe. Water causes nasty problems, and it might be helpful to assist in preliminary water removal with a bucket or mop while waiting for professional water cleanup. Only do this if it is safe—there should be no electricity or saltwater damages when walking or touch spills. If there’s uncertainty, wait for the water or fire damage restoration service to arrive and keep people away from the area.

#2 How to Avoid Frozen Pipes

Weather forecasts are more reliable with modern technology. If a cold front is heading in, the following actions might prevent pipes from freezing:

• Keep the thermostat above 55 degrees, even in unused rooms.
• Let warm kitchen air into cabinets by opening doors that can warm the pipes behind them.
• Open faucets to keep the water slowly circulating through the pipes so that it doesn’t freeze.
• Turn off the water at the mains before going on vacation.

#3 How to Handle Burst Pipes

Even after precautions, pipes still freeze. However, property owners can do a few things to make these networks less likely to burst. 

• If pipes freeze, turn the water off at the main connection. 
• Open working faucets and leave the water running.
• Open the faucet closest to the frozen pipe and start thawing the ice slowly. For example, lie a heat pack on the part of the pipe closest to the faucet, slowly moving it along the frozen pipe as the ice melts.

#4 Maintenance Projects to Prevent Frozen Pipes

Water and fire restoration companies like SERVPRO see many issues with frozen pipes each winter. However, inexpensive measures might avoid professional water damage restoration. Try these ideas:

• Regularly check pipes for damage. As pipes age, even metal ones degrade and crack. If there is damage, call SERVPRO immediately—prompt repairs will prevent other issues from arising at the height of the cold weather.
• Insulate pipes to heat evenly. Stable temperatures make the pipes less vulnerable to changes in the weather that may cause them to expand or contract.
• Seal gaps where cold air enters. Even a small opening lets in enough air to significantly lower the temperature of a room. 

• Insulate attics and basement spaces. If water pipes are running through these areas, insulation will prevent residential and commercial water damage from ruining a cozy home or office building.

SERVPRO of West Fort Worth is locally owned and yet part of a nationwide water cleanup and property restoration network that has operated since 1967. They offer 24-hour emergency service to residential and commercial property owners in Fort Worth, TX 76116. See the SERVPRO Instagram page for more information or call the team at (817) 560 3086 today.