As the calendar shifts ever closer to the winter months, the risk of pipe damage due to frozen pipes increases.While scheduling an annual pipe inspection could reveal possible failing pipes early on, there is no guarantee that a sudden issue won’t arise as the temperatures dip below freezing. In today’s blog post, we’ll take a closer look at how to safely handle frozen pipes this year.

Addressing Frozen Pipes: Turn the Water Off

The first thing to do if you find frozen pipes is to turn off the water if possible. While it won’t solve the problem, it will limit the amount of water damage inside your home once they start leaking. With the water main off, setup buckets under the burst pipes and open any water fixtures inside your home. This will relieve pressure and capture residual water leaking from pipes. Monitor pipes and leaks until you can get a licensed plumber to make the repairs. 

Addressing Frozen Pipes: Thaw the Pipes

The second thing to do is to try and thaw your pipes. This can be done with a space heater or a hair dryer. Use caution to avoid causing additional damage to your home or injuring yourself. This process can be particularly risky if flammable materials get too close to the heat source. If you don’t feel comfortable thawing the pipes yourself, let a trained professional handle it.

Addressing Frozen Pipes: Check Thawed Pipes for Leaks 

The third thing to do when addressing frozen pipes involves looking for visible leaks. Once the pipes have returned to normal, leave the water main off and take a close look at your pipes. When pipes freeze and then return to normal, damage can happen as a result of the changing surface area. Leaving the water main off will prevent a mess and damaged pipes will be just as visible when empty.

Addressing Frozen Pipes: Call a Water Damage Repair Specialist

The fourth step to take involves calling trained professionals. Finding a qualified water damage restoration company may take some time, but it will pay off in the end. Hiring a professional team like Soil-Away will provide you with peace of mind and a thorough flood cleanup process. If you even think that frozen pipes and water damage are a problem in your home, don’t wait. Give our team a call. We’ll arrive quickly and help prevent a bigger mess. Make Soil-Away your one and only call. Contact us today!