What To Do When A Pipe Freezes And Bursts In Your Home

12/17/2019 (Permalink)

Winters in this area can last a while, and when you experience more than a few days of frigid weather in a row, you can end up with burst pipes when they freeze. This kind of event often will cost a lot of money if not handled quickly and can be pretty damaging. 

Be prepared ahead of time by educating yourself about what to do in case a pipe freezes and bursts in your home. One of the first things to know is the location of the main water shut-off valve. Make sure you and at least one other person in your house know where this is so that your personal property doesn’t experience more damage than necessary from that burst pipe.

If you suspect that you do have frozen pipes, here are some tips to handle the situation:

• Turn off your water immediately, using the main shut-off valve.

• Call the professionals. A professional company with the skills and equipment in place specifically for this kind of event is going to be able to help you quickly and efficiently. You may be tempted to try to defrost frozen pipes using a flame, but this is never a good idea. Any open flame in enclosed spaces is extremely dangerous, and this tactic also doesn’t actually work. A hairdryer might be a help, however. Apply the heat to the pipe gradually after you open the faucet. Begin near the end of the faucet and move towards the ice block. Ensure you don’t stand in water while using any electrical device, by the way.
• If any rooms in your house are flooded, check carefully for live electrical outlets or cords that could be submerged before you step into the standing water. If you aren’t sure, wait for the professionals to arrive.

The SERVPRO Huron & East Seneca Counties team is here to help any time you have a water-related disaster. We’re available 24/7 for assistance with any water damage and fire damage, and we can handle cleanups of all sizes. We’re also experts in mold remediation and prevention.