Iowans know that a burst pipe can be a homeowner’s nightmare, capable of causing significant water damage and stress. When water freezes within your plumbing system, it can lead to burst pipes, water damage, and costly repairs. Prevention is simple, but sometimes unavoidable. If a pipe does burst, quick action to stop damage and calling in restoration professionals will minimize the damage. 

Protect Your Pipes When Temps Drop

Preparing your home with proactive measures can safeguard your pipes and ensure a smooth winter season. As temperatures drop, the actions below can help prevent frozen pipe issues.

Insulate Exposed Pipes

One of the most effective ways to prevent frozen pipes is to insulate them properly. Focus on areas where pipes are exposed to colder temperatures, such as in attics, crawl spaces, and basements. Pipe insulation sleeves provide a cost-effective solution and can be easily installed. This extra layer helps retain heat and prevents the pipes from reaching freezing temperatures.

Maintain Adequate Heating

Maintain a consistent temperature within your home, especially during cold nights or when you're away. Set your thermostat to at least 55°F (12°C) to ensure that your pipes remain warm enough to prevent freezing. If you plan to be away for an extended period, consider asking a neighbor or a friend to check on your home and keep the heating system running.

Let Faucets Drip

Allowing faucets to drip slightly during extremely cold weather can prevent pipes from freezing. Running water, even at a slow pace, helps alleviate pressure within the pipes, reducing the likelihood of freezing. This is particularly useful for faucets located along exterior walls or in areas prone to colder temperatures.

Disconnect and Drain Outdoor Hoses

Before the winter freeze sets in, disconnect and drain water from outdoor hoses. If left connected, water can freeze within the hose and back into the pipe, potentially causing damage. Store hoses indoors during the winter to prolong their lifespan.

Open Cabinet Doors

In areas where pipes are located within cabinets (such as under sinks), open the cabinet doors to allow warm air to circulate around the pipes. This is particularly important in kitchens and bathrooms where plumbing is often situated against exterior walls.

What To Do When A Pipe Bursts? 

If you weren’t able to prevent a burst pipe in your home, swift and effective response will lessen the headache of repairs and cleanup.

Shut Off the Water

The moment you discover a burst pipe, the first and most crucial step is to turn off the water supply to your home. Locate the main water shut-off valve, typically found near the water meter or where the main water line enters your home. Turning the valve clockwise will stop the flow of water and prevent further damage. If the burst pipe has resulted in standing water and there's a risk of electrical contact, switch off the electricity supply to the affected area or, if necessary, turn off power to the entire house to eliminate the risk of electric shock.

Drain Faucets

Open all faucets in your home to drain the remaining water from the plumbing system. This will help minimize further water damage and relieve pressure within the pipes. Flush toilets to remove water from the tanks and bowls.

Call a Plumber

While you may be tempted to tackle the repairs yourself, it's often best to call a professional plumber. Burst pipes can be indicative of larger issues within your plumbing system, and a qualified plumber can assess the extent of the damage and recommend appropriate repairs. Prompt professional intervention can save you time, money, and further headaches.

Call True North Restoration to Manage the Cleanup

When water damage occurs due to burst or frozen pipes, the situation can escalate rapidly, causing extensive harm to your property. We specialize in mitigating and repairing the aftermath of water damage, offering a range of services that go beyond simple cleanup. Here’s how we will help.

Water damage from frozen pipes can cause mold growth

Mold can start to grow within 24-48 hours of water damage, especially in areas with high humidity. We understand how to effectively dry and sanitize affected areas to prevent mold growth. Timely and thorough cleanup is crucial to avoid long-term health hazards associated with mold. 

Advanced equipment makes a difference

We utilize specialized equipment for water extraction, drying, and dehumidification. These tools are essential for efficiently removing excess water, preventing further damage, and restoring the affected areas. 

Expertise and experience matters

Our restoration technicians have years of experience and training to appropriately assess the extent of the damage accurately. We can identify hidden issues, such as water seepage into walls or structural damage, which may not be immediately apparent. 

We’ll work directly with your insurance company

We work directly with insurance companies, assisting homeowners in navigating the claims process. Our expertise in documenting damage, preparing detailed reports, and providing photographic evidence can streamline the insurance claims procedure, helping you receive fair compensation for the restoration costs.

Dealing with a burst pipe requires a combination of quick thinking, decisive action, and professional assistance. Hopefully you can prevent a frozen pipe from happening in the first place. If you can’t though - remember: When life heads South, turn True North!