Winter can bring a lot of problems for many homeowners. Not only will you need to contend with the snow and ensure your property is heated properly, but you also have to think about potential plumbing problems and water damage that it could cause.
During this time of year, there are plenty of potential problems the cold can bring. Let’s get a closer look at these below.
Frozen and Ruptured Pipes
Frozen pipes are a major problem when you don’t have a properly insulated home or plumbing. Even when you do have good plumbing, there is the risk of the pipes freezing when the temperatures start to plummet. This leads to all manner of problems in the home. It means that you won’t be able to access water until they have thawed, which will typically require a specialist to come to your house.
Keep in mind that water expands, as well. When the water in pipes freezes and expands, it can cause damage to metal and PVC alike. This could cause the pipe to rupture or burst, which would necessitate a replacement. However, you might not notice the issue right away. This means more water could be entering your walls, floor, etc., where it is going to cause a lot of damage.
If you have had a problem with your pipes freezing, or if you know you have a burst pipe, you will want to contact a specialist sooner rather than later. They will come to your home to assess the problem and provide repairs if needed.
However, there is a chance that the damage is already done. There could be a substantial amount of water damage that took place because of the freezing or rupturing of the pipes. This will require the help of a water damage restoration specialist.
While frozen and ruptured pipes are problems that could lead to water damage, they are not the only concern during the winter. Snow load on the roof could cause cracks and other damage, allowing water to get into the house and start causing damage, for example. This is called ice damming. Often, the water damage goes unnoticed for weeks or longer. This is unsanitary and it could seriously damage your home’s walls and interior.
Reduce Risk
There are some things you can do that can help to reduce the risk of frozen and ruptured pipes.
First, it’s a good idea to make sure you have pipe insulation, particularly in the areas of the home that are more prone to freezing. You could also use heat tape or heat cables. If there are any leaks around pipes leading into the house, make sure they are sealed.
In some cases, you may also want to let the water drip on those cold nights when it is going to get down to freezing temperatures. Having just a small trickle of water running through the pipes can help to keep them from freezing. Consider opening up the cabinets under your sinks, too, as this can allow heat to get to those pipes, which are likely not insulated.
What If You Have Water Damage?
If you find that your home has succumbed to these types of issues and has suffered water damage, get some help as soon as possible. Even for what you feel might be minor water damage, you will want to connect with a water restoration company.
Let the professionals come out to your property to access the damage and let you know what needs to be done to get your home back in good working order.
Resources: https://news.okstate.edu/articles/agriculture/2021/gedon_water_damage_after_freeze.html