Each year, approximately 250,000 homes experience damage caused by frozen pipes, according to State Farm Insurance. As the water in frozen pipes expands, it can cause flooding from broken pipes. There is no way to guarantee that this never happens in Strongsville, but there are things you can do to prevent this experience. The steps below may be able to prevent frozen pipes and flooding this winter.
#1: Drain outdoor water
It doesn’t take a plumber to determine that outdoor pipes are more susceptible to freezing. Take some time to drain your sprinkler supply lines, swimming pools, and outdoor hose bibs. It is also wise to drain your hoses and store them in a covered spot.
#2: Install pipe sleeves or heat tape to exposed pipes
If there are visible pipes in your home, take extra care to insulate them. Use heat tape or pipe sleeves to provide extra protection from chilly weather.
#3: Monitor your thermostat
Winter is not the best time to save money on utilities by turning off your thermostat. Make sure your thermostat is not set any lower than 55 degrees, especially if you are out of town.
#4: Consider adding insulation
Are your attic, basement, or crawl space in need of insulation? If so, you should think about adding some. Doing this won’t just lower the possibility of broken or frozen pipes, it will also help lessen the blow of utility bill costs.
#5: Be prepared
You may be able to find a frozen pipe before it breaks if you see a slow trickle of water when you open a faucet. Keep the faucet open and apply heat, either with an electric heating pad or hair dryer, to the pipe. (Do not use an open flame device.) Monitor the open faucet and maintain heat until water pressure returns.
Contact Paul Davis Restoration of Cleveland Metro West as soon as possible if you experience a broken pipe in your Strongsville property. Our water restoration services are able to provide immediate assistance and get you back on your feet soon.
