How to Avoid the Thousands of Dollars in Water Damage a Frozen Pipe Can Bring
It is all too easy to be put out on a cold winter morning by a faucet that will not give you any water. Or to lie awake with concerns over what a pipe might do to your house should it burst. One would think a minor crack in a frozen pipe is no big thing until the basement is flooded.
We at United Water Restoration Group of Cincinnati East have our share of experience with the kind of destruction frozen pipes leave in their wake and would like to spare you from it. Should you be in the midst of water damage, a call to (513) 643-8700 will put you in touch with us. We are here for the Greater Cincinnati 24/7 with our IICRC-certified staff.
In Ohio the winter can be severe enough to freeze what is in your pipes. Freezing water has a way of expanding and putting the walls of a pipe under such pressure that they can only take so much before giving way. Before you know it a few hours have passed and a burst pipe has let hundreds of gallons into your home.
The High Cost of a Frozen Pipe
Do not be mistaken, the shock at the bill is not for the cost of the pipe. You can put in a new piece of copper or PVC for very little. The expense is in all that the water has come into contact with.
A case in point, a burst pipe will see to the ruin of:
- Insulation and drywall requiring removal
- Warped laminate or hardwood floors
- Carpet and padding left to the moisture
- Your furniture and electronics
- Wood framing in the structure which will rot
- Mold making itself at home in some hidden corner in as little as 48 hours
Tally it up and you are looking at thousands for the restoration and cleanup alone. Then again, a modicum of attention in the cold months will forestall most of it.
Ways to Put Your Pipes at Ease
You need not be a plumber to mitigate the risk. When it gets cold we suggest you get in the habit of doing some of the following:
- A setting of 55 degrees on the thermostat is advisable, even in your absence
- Give the pipes behind your sink some warm air by opening the cabinet
- In the worst of the cold let the faucet run a bit to ease the pressure
- Put insulation on pipes in the garage, attic or basement
- Drain and put away your garden hoses prior to the first freeze
- Block off any drafts near pipes with sealant
- Make sure you are familiar with the location of the main shutoff valve
That last one is more important than is often thought. To stave off a major disaster when a pipe goes, turning the water off is key.
Signs of Trouble
A pipe may be frozen but intact. If you are observant you can put an end to a lot of trouble. Be on the lookout for:
- A faucet with little output
- Frost on a pipe
- An odd smell from the drains
- Any bulging or sweating of the pipe
Proceed with caution if you spot such things. A hair dryer or some warm towels will thaw a pipe in due time; an open flame is not to be used. Of course if there is a crack, turn off the water and make a call.
Dealing with the Aftermath
Careful as one may be, a homeowner can still be confronted with a burst pipe. Time is of the essence once that occurs, as standing water invites mold and will spread.
Our advice in the event of water damage is to do the following without delay:
- Cut off the water
- If you can do so safely, the electricity in the area should be turned off
- Get your valuables and furniture clear of the water
- For insurance purposes document with photos
- Engage a professional
This is where we step in. Our technicians at United Water Restoration Group of Cincinnati East are licensed and insured and we answer the phone day or night. We will work with your insurer to simplify the claim. There are free estimates to be had and, through Hearth, financing options that prequalify you without impacting your credit.
Serving Cincinnati and environs including Anderson, Milford, Mason and West Chester, we are at your service for water damage or simply to offer some preventive counsel. Contact United Water Restoration Group of Cincinnati East at (513) 643-8700 and put your mind at ease.