According to State Farm Insurance, around 250,000 homes are at least partially damaged because of frozen pipes every winter. As the water in frozen pipes expands, it can cause flooding from broken pipes. In fact, a crack as small as 1/8″ can cause 250 gallons of flooding in a single day. While extremely cold winters in Chagrin Falls can cause this to occur to anyone, there are things you can do to prevent frozen pipes from happening. Follow the steps below to lower the possibility of flooding this winter.
#1: Drain outdoor water
It doesn’t take a research scientist to figure out that outdoor pipes are more susceptible to freezing. Before temperatures drop severely, take some time to drain your sprinkler supply lines, swimming pools, and outdoor hose bibs. It is also wise to drain hoses and keep them in a covered spot.
#2: Install pipe sleeves or heat tape to exposed pipes
Take extra care to insulate exposed pipes. You can use heat tape or pipe sleeves to provide extra protection from chilly weather.
#3: Monitor your thermostat
Winter is not the best time to save money on utilities by turning off your thermostat. If you ever leave town, make sure it is not set to anything lower than 55 degrees.
#4: Consider adding insulation
Check your basement, attic, and crawl spaces to see if they are lacking insulation. Doing this won’t only lower the possibility of frozen or broken pipes, it will also help lessen the blow of what your pay for utilities.
#5: Be prepared
If you notice a small trickle when you open a faucet, you may have a frozen pipe on your hands. With the faucet open, apply heat to the pipe with an electric heating pad or hair dryer. (Do not use an open flame device.) Maintain heat until water pressure is restored.
Contact Paul Davis Restoration of Cleveland Metro as soon as possible if you have a broken pipe in your Chagrin Falls home or business. Our flood restoration services can provide immediate assistance and get you back on your feet soon.
