Keeping Your Pipes from Freezing this Winter

12/18/2018 (Permalink)

The colder months are almost upon us, and when temperatures plummet, the risk of pipes freezing and bursting becomes very real, and with it, water damage. Burst pipes are actually one of the most common property damages owners will experience during frigid weather, and can create thousands of dollars in water damages, and water damages can, in turn, lead to other issues, such as mold growth which require mold inspection and mold remediation services, as well. The pipes in basements, attics, and garages are most at risk since these spaces are generally unheated, but even those located under your cabinets or in exterior walls can freeze. Today, we will share some simple tips you can use to keep your home or business dry:

• Insulation. Insulating your pipes can be fairly inexpensive, costing perhaps as little as fifty cents per linear foot when doing it yourself with products from your local hardware store. This investment could save you both time and frustration as well as money, saving your real estate and personal property from loss and damages.
• Doors. Keep garage doors closed, especially if your garage hosts a water supply, while in the kitchen and bathroom you will want to keep the cabinet doors open; this allows warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.  
• Faucets. Let cold water drip from your faucets if they are connected to exposed pipes. A trickle of water will help prevent those pipes from freezing by keeping it moving.
• Thermostat. Set, and keep, your thermostat at the same temperature both day and night. A cold snap is not the time to turn the heat down to save money. If you are leaving home for an extended period of time during the holidays, leave the heat on using a temperature of nothing less than 55 degrees.
• Insulation, again. Insulation added to attics, basements, and crawl spaces will help maintain higher temperatures in those spaces of your home or business. Sealing cracks and openings around all windows, doors, and sill plates will also be beneficial.

The SERVPRO of East Huron & Seneca Counties team cares about you and your home or business. We are here to help with all weather-related issues and concerns. Visit our website today to contact us or for more information about keeping your spaces safe and damage free. We are also available for mold inspection and mold remediation services as well as water damage and fire damage restoration!