Preventing and Responding to Frozen Pipes

12/9/2021 (Permalink)

Brrrrrr.... It's that time of the year again!

With snow starting to fall in East York and surrounding counties, it is safe to say that the Holiday season is amongst us! Though snow can be beautiful to look at, lower temperatures bring threats beyond frostbite: FROZEN PIPES. Now is the time to learn more about how you can avoid frozen pipes and the associated water damage that can occur if your home’s pipes expand and burst. While a common occurrence, frozen pipes are highly preventable, and acting now can help you and your family in the long run!  

EXPERT TIPS FOR PREVENTING FROZEN PIPES

As members of our community, SERVPRO of East York County would like to extend some knowledge to our friends and neighbors! The following tips will help you and your family in preventing your pipes from freezing:

• Maintain a consistent temperature throughout your home. If you will be leaving your home unoccupied over winter months, leave the heat on and set your thermostat no lower than 55° F.
• Ensure that all exposed pipes are properly insulated. Pay special attention to where pipes may be unheated; unheated areas may include areas such as basements, attics, garages, crawl spaces, and under the cabinets in your kitchen and bathroom(s).
• Remove and drain any hoses that are outside of your home.
• Close any inside valves that supply water outdoors, Open outside valves to properly drain any excess water remaining in the pipes.
• In especially freezing temperatures, let your faucet trickle. Running water is far less likely to freeze than resting water.

EXPERT TIPS FOR THAWING FROZEN PIPES

If you turn on your faucet and only a few drops come out, you may already have a frozen pipe. Typically, frozen pipes are those that run along exterior walls, or where your water service enters your home through the foundation. If you are reading this blog because your pipes have already frozen, SERVPRO of East York County is Here to Help! Our Team has come up with the following tips to help you thaw out your frozen pipes before they expand and burst:

• Leave the faucet on while treating frozen pipes. Flowing water will help melt the ice as you go!
• Apply heat to the frozen section of the pipe by using an electric heating pad, a hair dryer, or  by wrapping pipes with towels  that have been soaked in hot water.
• NEVER use a blowtorch, kerosene heater, propane heater, or other open flame device.
• Check all faucets in your home to see if you have any additional frozen pipes; if one pipe freezes, others may have frozen as well.  

WE’RE HERE TO HELP

If you were not able to prevent or thaw frozen pipes, contact our team of trained professionals at SERVPRO of East York County! In the unfortunate event you experience water damage caused by frozen pipes or otherwise, call us at 717-665-1270; SERVPRO of East York County is a 24/7 emergency service provider!