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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration

Are Your Pipes Prepared For Winter Weather?

11/20/2019 (Permalink)

Have you ever noticed how a can of soda explodes in the freezer if left for too long? This is because water expands when it freezes quickly. The same happens in pipes full of water during cold weather. Expanding cold water places too much pressure within the pipe and causes it to burst. The following tips will help prevent this disaster from happening in your residence or business;

If your pipes aren’t insulated; get creative about protecting them until you can get pipe insulation from the grocery store. When the temperatures are going to dip use newspapers and plastic grocery bags as a quick fix. Wrap the newspaper around vulnerable pipes, secure the paper with strong tape and cover the newspaper with plastic bags. Keep in mind this is a temporary fix! It is important to insulate your pipes period. Heat tape and pipe insulation are important. When you can make it to the hardware store, purchase heat tape and pipe insulation. Place the heat tape around the most vulnerable pipes and cover them with insulation.

Let water flow steadily. One of the best ways to prevent water from freezing within pipes is by letting the water continuously flow. Surprisingly, running water does not freeze. Allow a trickle of water that is the same diameter as a pen to flow from a faucet to prevent bursting pipes. Although this method seems wasteful, there are creative ways to capture and use the water. For example, use the water to hydrate indoor plants or place the water in a rain barrel for summertime garden watering. Keep in mind that the cost of continuously running water is ultimately cheaper than having to repair pipes, damaged walls, floors and ceilings.

No matter the type of building, a burst pipe can prove to be costly and devastating. Take proper precautions and call SERVPRO of Lynnwood if you have a water issue at 425-774-1148.

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