Water Damage From Frozen Pipes

It has been a long, cold winter here in Logan, where we have seen our fair share of freezing temperatures. While we know Spring is on the horizon, there are still some low temperatures to come. With these low temperatures come freezing, and with freezing comes water damage. Water damage caused by frozen pipes can be a major headache for homeowners. When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands and can cause the pipe to burst. This can lead to water flooding your home and causing damage to your floors, walls, and belongings. 

Logan Water Damage Cleanup

Here at Sierra Restoration, we have seen our fair share of water damage cleanup from frozen pipes, and in this blog, we’ll take a closer look at how frozen pipes cause water damage and what you can do to prevent them.

How Frozen Pipes Cause Water Damage

When water freezes inside a pipe, it can cause the pipe to expand and crack. The pressure that builds up inside the pipe as the water freezes cause damage. Once the ice thaws, water will start to flow through the crack, leaking out into your home. This type of water damage can lead to rot, mold growth, deterioration, and other severe problems if it is not cleaned up right away, which is why water damage from frozen pipes is a critical issue. The most common areas where pipes freeze are those exposed to cold air, such as pipes in unheated areas like basements, crawl spaces, or attics. Pipes that are located near exterior walls or windows are also more prone to freezing. Be sure to keep an eye on the pipes in these locations of your home during these cold days and nights so you can find water damage early and get water damage cleanup started immediately. 

How To Prevent Frozen Pipes

Preventing frozen pipes is key to avoiding water damage cleanup in your home. Here are some tips to help you prevent frozen pipes:

1. Insulate your pipes: Insulating your pipes is one of the most effective ways to prevent them from freezing. You can use foam pipe insulation or heat tape to insulate your pipes. This will help keep the heat in and the cold out.
2. Keep your home warm: Make sure your home is warm enough to prevent pipes from freezing. If you’re going away for an extended period, make sure to keep the heat on in your home or drain the water from your pipes.
3. Let faucets drip: Allowing faucets to drip can help prevent pipes from freezing. This keeps the water flowing and can help prevent pressure from building up in the pipes.
4. Seal leaks: Make sure to seal any leaks around pipes that allow cold air to get in. This will help prevent pipes from freezing.
5. Open cabinet doors: If you have pipes in cabinets, open the doors to allow warm air to circulate around them.

Taking these precautionary steps can help significantly reduce the risk of needing water damage cleanup in your home from frozen pipes. If you do find yourself in need of water damage cleanup, whether from frozen pipes or any other cause, Sierra Restoration is here to help.