How To Prevent Water Damage Restoration Due to Frozen Pipes

The average low temperature in Yakima from November through February is 25 degrees Fahrenheit. Since water will freeze at 32 degrees Fahrenheit or lower, it is no wonder why frozen pipes can become such a big issue for homeowners here. Water damage is one of the most common disaster claims for home insurance and burst or leaking pipes are one of the most common causes of water damage. That being said, here are some things you can do to proactively prevent water damage restoration due to a frozen pipe.

WATER DAMAGE RESTORATION IN YAKIMA

1. Allow warm air to get to pipes that are under cabinets by keeping cabinet doors open. Pipes that are most at risk for freezing and then bursting are the ones that are not exposed to warm air, so the simple task of opening cabinet doors can change that. If pipes are in a safe area that can be monitored, you can use a space heater to get warm air circulating (think basements, garages, attics, or storage rooms). However, if left unattended, space heaters can actually end up doing more damage than good so please use them responsibly and with great caution. This leads us to our next tip…
2. Add insulation to exterior pipes or pipes that are located in areas of your home that are not exposed to any warmth (again, think basements, garages, attics, etc. etc.). You can find different types of pipe insulation from your local hardware store, and there are ones that can meet each and every budget. Yes, it may take some time, effort, and a little cash on your end, but properly insulation pipes can actually end up saving you in the long run and prevent a costly water damage restoration. 
3. Keep your thermostat set at a reasonable and warm temperature and set it there for both day and night. If the temperature in your home is fluctuating or is too cold, your pipes become more susceptible to freezing. Sure, your heating bill might go up slightly, but when compared to the thousands of dollars that water damage restoration requires, that seems like a small price to pay. 
4. On especially cold nights, or days, leave the water flowing in a slow, steady drip from your faucets. Moving water will not freeze like standing water, so even keeping the water moving one slow drip at a time will help prevent freezing. 

Taking action and following these steps BEFORE water freezes in pipes will save you so much time, money, and stress. However, even if you follow every suggestion out there to prevent water damage from leaky or burst pipes, that doesn’t mean it can’t or won’t happen to you. The good news is that no matter when or what the cause, Clean Image is here to help with all your water damage restoration needs. At Clean Image, we know how dangerous a broken pipe is, and how quickly it can disperse water. We are dedicated to providing successful and satisfactory water damage restoration services that return homes to prime condition following water damage.