What To Do About Frozen Pipe Damage

While frozen pipes tend to be more common in older homes, the location of the pipe and the level of insulation surrounding it is really at the root cause. The other factor is, of course, temperature. When the mercury plummets, water freezes. When this happens inside pipes, the frozen water expands, creating pressure that can lead to leaking or bursting. Frozen pipe prevention includes installing proper insulation and making sure the heat from your home keeps your pipes above freezing temperatures. Flooding from ruptured pipes causes serious problems including:

• Compromised electrical and gas lines
• Structural damage to load-bearing walls
• Soaked sheetrock and insulation
• Saturated environments that cause mold growth

Signs of Frozen Pipes

There Is Frost on the Pipe - For pipes that can actively be seen, such as those under sinks, you may be able to see frost that has accumulated on the exterior of the pipe. This can serve as a warning sign that the pipe is frozen before you ever try to turn on the faucet.

No Water Is Coming Out of the Faucet - Another sign that you may have a frozen pipe on your hands is lack of running water. If you turn on a kitchen or bathroom faucet and only a slight trickle of water or no water at all comes out, the water pipe leading to the faucet may be frozen. Persistent clogs are another indicator. Whether it is a clogged drain or a slow-flushing toilet, any problem that is persistent is an indicator that something is wrong.

The Drywall is Damp - Leaking pipes will release water and damp drywall or wet rings on the ceiling are definite indicators that there is a problem. Water coming from drop ceilings or dripping from a ceiling that isn’t just below a roofline are other signs. Also look for puddles or places where water may be accumulating that it shouldn’t.

Strange Smells – Another potential sign of a blocked pipe is an odd smell coming from a faucet or drain. If the pipe is partially or completely blocked, the only way the odor can escape is back up in the direction of your property.

Unusual Sounds - When a toilet is flushed or a sink faucet is used, air that cannot escape to the sewer lines will create a bubbling noise. Other noises to watch out for include whistling, banging or clanking. If a pipe is dented or damaged, a portion of the pipe may be too small for the water to pass through and it may emit a whistling sound.

How Best to Respond When Frozen Pipes Burst

Turn off the water supply - The first thing to do when frozen pipes burst is to cut off your home’s water supply. The main shut-off valve is usually located inside the house opposite the exterior pipe’s entrance. If you need to turn off your property’s entire water system, look for an exterior cut-off valve near your meter. You might also find it outside between the curb and sidewalk in a concrete box just below ground level.

Check your electrical system - Sparking and outages are very dangerous signs after any kind of leaking or flooding situation in the house. They indicate damage to your electrical system that must be addressed by licensed technicians. If you suspect a problem, turn off the electricity with your home’s breaker panel. Don’t ever risk personal safety around water and electricity. Even if you’re sure it’s okay to work in an area, unplug nearby appliances and fixtures. Proceed with a combination of caution and common sense.

Call a reputable burst pipe water damage restoration company - Why? By calling a restoration company right away, you ensure a prompt response from certified teams who know how to expertly handle burst pipe water damage repair. Even minor flooding can result in serious problems throughout your home. Research water damage experts ahead of time. It never hurts to reach out to a company before you need them. Ask about their certifications and about their process. Restoration experts provide comprehensive, multi-step services:

• Responsiveness - Water damage experts expect to get calls during the night and on weekends, it is the nature of their business. 
• Heavy Duty Drying Equipment - It takes quite a bit of equipment to dry a small area. Professional water damage companies will have access to state-of-the-art drying equipment including dehumidifiers, air movers, air scrubbers, and water extractors.
• Mold Growth - It is crucial that all wet, affected materials are removed as soon as possible. This will help prevent future mold growth. Water damage experts will be able to identify affected materials and safely remove them from your home or office. Did you know? Mold can begin to grow 24-48 hours following water intrusion.
• Cleaning - Antimicrobial and antifungal treatments are used to sanitize and deodorize all affected areas and restorable contents. Any debris, furniture or other items that are not salvageable will be removed from the property.
• Restoration - A full service restoration company will handle additional structural repairs from replacing drywall, installing new flooring, painting to significant rebuilds as well as taking preventative measures to avoid a repeat event.

Contact your insurance agent - Depending on your policy, water damage caused by burst frozen pipes may be covered. File a claim to have damages assessed and necessary repairs and recovery actions reimbursed.

Record the damage - Take photos and write down personal items and structural areas of your home that have been damaged by the burst pipe. This will help in your claims process, making sure you receive the proper reimbursements necessary.

Stay Warm and Dry this Winter

A wintery mix of cold and freezing temperatures and powerful storms means that frozen pipes as well as flooding, water damage, and roof damage are very real possibilities. In fact, the third largest cause of catastrophic losses are freezing weather and winter storms, according to the Insurance Information Institute. We hope your winter is safe, fun and mishap free. If you do experience any of these types of damage, it is critical you respond quickly, calmly and methodically. It is also important to make sure you have the right experts in place to assist you as needed.

If you are faced with an unfortunate, time-sensitive frozen pipe problem in your home or business, contact Xtreme Home Improvement. Immediate attention to the situation will minimize damage and prevent further loss. Have peace of mind knowing that our certified technicians are prepared to rapidly and properly restore your property. Take advantage of our emergency service when you need us most. We're on call 24/7.