Prepare Your Home Against Frozen Pipe Burst This Winter

11/24/2020 (Permalink)

Knowing what winter is capable of causing in Chicago, now is the time to take extra precautions and know what to do when frozen pipes occur.

Wintertime is fast approaching, and we are already seeing snowfall and drops in temperature. Knowing what winter is capable of causing in Chicago, now is the time to take extra precautions and know what to do when frozen pipes occur. It is best to prepare before you end up standing knee-deep in a flooded basement! 

If you think your home may have frozen pipes, call a plumber to evaluate the situation, which can help prevent any costly damages. If you would like to try to take matters into your own hands, here are some helpful tips:

• Avoid using open flames, heat guns, etc. to thaw your pipes. You would not want fire damages on top of a water loss!
• Increasing water pressure as ice builds up may cause older pipes to burst. Relieve water pressure on your lines by turning off your water supply or trickling your faucets. Water may still freeze within your pipes, but releasing pressure can help prevent them from bursting.
• Look for any swollen areas or frost along your pipes. Turn up the heat throughout the building if you see any.
• Use space heaters to provide some extra heat - though do not leave them unattended!
• If you need to target specific areas on your pipes, a hairdryer, heating pad, or simply a cloth wet with hot water can be applied.

In the unfortunate event your home or business experiences water damage caused by a frozen pipe, please give us a call! SERVPRO operates 24/7 and offers quick emergency response time to effectively mitigate any further damage.

847-593-3055