Restoration Services Blog

Preventing water damage due to frozen pipes starts before the temperature drops. Use these tips to keep your water flowing:

• Insulate Vulnerable Pipes: Apply foam insulation to pipes in unheated areas like basements, attics, and crawlspaces.

• Use Heat Tape: For high-risk areas, wrap pipes in UL-approved heat tape to provide consistent warmth.

• Manage Outdoor Faucets: Use indoor shut-off valves to drain water from outdoor lines. At the very least, disconnect all garden hoses to prevent water from backing up into the house and freezing.

• The “Trickle” Method: During extreme cold, keep a slow drip running from the faucet farthest from your water main. Moving water is much harder to freeze.

• Open Cabinet Doors: If you have plumbing on an exterior wall, keep the cabinet doors open to allow warm household air to circulate around the pipes.

• Traveling Tips: If you’re leaving for vacation, keep your thermostat set to at least 55°F. Alternatively, shut off the main water supply and drain the lines by opening the lowest faucet in the house.

What Should I Do if My Pipes Freeze?

If you turn on the tap and nothing comes out, act quickly. The faster you thaw the pipe, the lower the risk of a burst and subsequent water damage.

Safe Thawing Techniques:

1. Expose the Area: If pipes are behind a drop ceiling or in a closet, open them up to let heat reach the plumbing.

2. Use a Heat Gun or Hair Dryer: Gently warm the frozen section. Never use a blowtorch or open flame, as this is a fire hazard and can damage the pipes.

3. Warm Rags: Wrapping the pipe in rags soaked in hot water can provide a slow, safe thaw.

4. Check Appliances: If water is off for a long time, monitor your water heater and boiler to ensure they aren’t damaged by the lack of flow.

What Should I Do if a Pipe Breaks?

A burst pipe is a true emergency. Water restoration becomes much more difficult the longer the water sits.

• Shut Off the Water Immediately: You must stop the flow at the source.

• Locate Your Valves: Familiarize yourself with your curb stop (usually near the property line) and your main interior shut-off valve (usually near the water meter).

• Maintain Your Valves: Periodically turn older “gate valves” to prevent corrosion. Newer Teflon-coated ball valves are more reliable but should still be checked annually.

Professional Water Restoration Services

Even a small leak can lead to structural rot and mold growth. If you find yourself facing water damage from a frozen pipe, don’t wait.

All Clean Restoration specializes in rapid-response water restoration. We use professional-grade drying equipment to extract moisture and restore your property to its pre-loss condition.