Cold Weather Leads To Water Issues In Homes & Businesses

The temperature forecast for the near future in the Denver area looks frigid. While it may be entertaining to drive through various areas to get a glimpse of frozen waterfalls, as well as icy ponds and lakes, the cold weather can cause many unwelcome problems. It’s the time of year when  public works crews are busy with water main breaks throughout the area. The same hazardous conditions also exist for homes and businesses.

The cause? Water expands as it freezes. And that expansion puts stress on the pipes that contain it – no matter whether those pipes are metal or plastic. Pipes that frequently freeze are those that are exposed to severe cold – such as outdoor hoses and sprinkler lines. Water supply pipes in unheated areas, like basements and crawl spaces, attics, garages or kitchen cabinets, are also susceptible to freezing. Pipes that run against the exterior walls of your home or office also may have little or no insulation to protect them from freezing.

What can you do to protect your pipes from freezing? Here are some tips:

1. Drain water from sprinkling supply lines following manufacturer’s instructions. Do not put antifreeze in these lines because it is harmful to the environment and is dangerous to humans and wildlife.
2. Remove, drain and store outside hoses. And while you’re at it, cut off the inside valves supplying water to these hoses. Once you’ve done that, keep the outside valve open so that any remaining water in the pipe can expand without causing the pipe to break.
3. We highly recommend that you add insulation to attics, crawlspaces and basement. Insulation will help project these areas.
4. Check around the house for other exposed water supplies – such as in a garage or near kitchen and bathroom counters.

Other ways to prevent frozen pipes. There are a few things you can do around the house to further prevent freezing of pipes.

1. Keep garage doors closed, especially if there is a water supply in the garage.
2. Consider opening kitchen and bathroom cabinets, especially on cold nights, to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
3. On especially cold nights, turn the water on at your sink so that it drips from the pipe. This trickle of water can prevent pipes from freezing. On these colder nights, you might also want to put your thermostat up a couple of degrees.
4. And finally, if you are going to be away – even if it’s just a weekend – leave the heat on in your home.

What to do if you suspect a pipe is frozen? If you are only getting a trickle of water from the faucet, keep the faucet open. You can also try wrapping a heating pad around the pipes, helping it to thaw gradually.

Call professionals. Even the slightest drip can cause extreme damage in a home or office. If that happens, call Restoration 1 at 720-573-2568. We are certified and highly trained restoration experts who can provide prompt damage assessments.

A Few Water Damage Tips To Protect Your Property. At this time of the year, when the weather gives us a nice day, please take some time to apply as many of these tips as possible to protect your property. Some of these tips can be done during colder days.

Exterior Water Damage Tips

• Drainage Is Key. Make sure your gutters are cleaned in the fall and winter to clear them of leaves and debris. Extend the downspouts 5-10 feet away from the house. This step will help prevent costly damage to your foundation, basement and
• Inspect Your Roof. Really, you should have an experienced roofer inspect it, and then have then repair or replace roof shingles as needed.

Interior Water Damage Tips

• Hire A Plumber. Ask a professional to inspect your sump pump to make sure it’s working properly. Be sure it’s not blocked. You can also ask about having a backwater valve installed. This addition will prevent a backup of water and sewage during heavy rainfalls.
• Get It Off The Floor. Consider elevating your furnace and hot water tank so they’re not sitting directly on the floor of the basement. Install shelving to keep other items off the floor as well. We recommend that you don’t store valuables and important documents in the basement.
• Dispose Substances Properly. Don’t pour fats, oils, paint or grease down the drain. It’s possible that they will cause blocked pipes once solidified.
• Inspect Washing Machine Hoses. Check them regularly for age and wear. Because these hoses carry a lot of water, they can cause a lot of damage if they burst.
• Educate Everyone In The House. Toilets that overflow frequently can cause major damage. Make sure everyone in your home knows how to turn off the water at the base of the toilet to minimize overflow. Routine maintenance and regular inspections, about 2-3 times a year, will help reduce the risk of clogs.
• Detect Water Problems Early. Water can leak from anywhere in your home, including roof, shower and pipes. Finding leaks early will prevent rotting wood, mold and mildew. Look for dark spots, bubbling or stains – these are good indicators of a leak. When you find something, call a handyman immediately to help diagnose the problem.

We’re here to help! Call Restoration 1 at 720-573-2568. We are certified and highly trained restoration experts who can provide prompt damage assessments.