Water Damage Repair Tips From Trumbull Experts

Did you know that the weather can significantly increase the risks of water damage to your home? Especially, during this time of year. The weather service has forecast some pretty frigid temperatures for Trumbull these next couple of weeks, with lows getting down around 5 degrees Fahrenheit but with wind chills making it feel closer to negative 5. With the high around 32 degrees, that still puts us in freezing conditions. In fact, water freezes at 32 degrees, which means that our pipes are at an increased risk of freezing. To keep you from needing water damage repair due to frozen pipes, here are some steps you may want to take throughout your home for the next couple of weeks so your pipes do not freeze.

Water Damage Repair In Trumbull

1. Keep your thermostat set at a comfortable temperature. We recommend anywhere between 68 and 71 degrees to avoid fluctuations and sudden drops that could leave susceptible pipes with less access to warm air. 
2. Speaking of susceptible pipes, you can apply pipe insulation to pipes that run through basements, attics, crawl spaces, garages, and any other area of your home that has little to no insulation or just remains colder than other areas of your home. There are different types of insulation available too. Check out your local hardware or home goods store for options available to you, and be sure to get the kind that will best suit your needs. If you have a pipe that is already frozen, look for electric insulation that help to thaw frozen water and keep your pipes warm to prevent freezing from occurring again.
3. For pipes under sinks like in bathrooms and kitchens, you can open the cupboards to allow warm air to better circulate around them.
4. Turning on faucets to allow a slow and steady drip of water to flow from them will also prevent pipes from freezing. Standing water in pipes is what freezes, so if water is constantly moving, even just in a slow steady drip, it cannot freeze. If you have a pipe that is already frozen, leave the faucet turned on so that when water flow does return it has an exit point – this may just save your pipe from bursting. 
5. Never underestimate the damage a frozen pipe can cause. When water freezes, it expands. Frozen water in pipes will put excess pressure on the pipe itself, expanding until a complete blockage occurs. Not only does the frozen water increase pressure, but any water trapped behind the frozen section will also put excess pressure on the pipe. With nowhere to flow, this water will eventually have to find a different exit in order to release the pressure which results in bursts and leaks. Water damage from burst or leaking pipes can be as obvious as a flooded area of your home, or more subtle as leaking continues over prolonged periods of time. Water damage compounds the longer it is left unresolved, so it is important to never neglect a frozen pipe in case water damage becomes a result.

Stay warm the rest of this winter, be proactive about keeping your pipes from freezing, and call Professional Carpet Systems of Southern Connecticut if you find yourself in need of water damage repair.