This winter has been unlike any other in CO. We sure haven’t had much cold weather – at least what we are used to! Most home and business owners have managed to make it through till now without a frozen pipe or burst pipe. But this is the time of the year when we still get a lot of calls – some of which need immediate help, others asking what they can do to prevent frozen pipes or other water leaks.
There ARE things you can do. Some of which are pretty simple. While we hope you are insured for any potential damage, a proactive plan is to prevent water damage in the first place! Here are 6 suggestions for preventing water damage.
- Clear Outside Drains and Gutters. Actually, we could put this advice on repeat! It’s so important. If you can get to your gutters, clean them out. If not, think about hiring a professional to do it for you – it’s THAT important. And be sure to clear your outside drains of leaves and debris, especially those drains and sump-pumps at the bottom of your basement steps.
- Take Care Of Clogs. From the shower to the kitchen sink, every home has a clog eventually. Instead of using powerful chemicals to clean the clog, try using a drain snake instead. Not only will the drain snake work better, but your pipes will be happy! The chemicals used often eat away at the pipes around your house. And please, NEVER pour grease down your sink. If can cling to your pipes and cause a blockage.
- Open Cabinets Under Your Sinks. It’s a simple step, but allowing the warmer air to get to your sinks may help prevent freezing of pipes.
- Be Vigilant. Keep an eye out for signals that you may have a problem. Remember that your basement is really just a huge hole in the ground. It should be maintained regularly. It’s also wise to keep close watch on your sky lights – while they are beautiful and provide light into your house, remember that they are equivalent to having a hole in your roof! Watch for leaks.
- Wrap Pipes. If you have outside faucets, consider wrapping the pipes inside the house that are closest to these faucets. You can use insulation tape, newspaper, old towels or foam. We are assuming you’ve already turned off your outside faucet. If not, be sure to do that NOW!
Other Precautions. Be smart about using inside heating appliances. Have regular maintenance checks on your HVAC system, check the caulking around your windows – it may be time to replace it.
If you do experience a burst pipe and water damage that affects the surrounding area (carpet, flooring, drywall, ceilings, etc.), contact us as soon as possible. The area must be thoroughly dried to prevent mold from growing and damaged materials must be removed before repairs can begin. While many homeowners try to dry out damaged materials themselves, the equipment we provide is more efficient and more likely to produce good results.