Steps to Prevent Frozen Water Damage

2/4/2021 (Permalink)

Avoid water damage to your home and plumbing.

As the days get colder, you start adding gloves, hats, coats, and scarves to your wardrobe to prepare and protect yourself from the harsh weather outside. Your home needs the same kind of care to prepare for the colder weather as well. Taking precautions before freezing temperatures hit can help save you a lot of money and stress later when you don’t have to deal with a burst water pipe in the dead of winter or other water damage that can occur.

Clean Your Gutters

Now that fall is in full swing and the leaves have fallen, clean out your gutters to prepare for winter. Clogged gutters can cause water to back up and freeze which in turn will cause water to leak into your home and wreak havoc. It is also important to knock off any large icicles. 

Prepare for Winterization

The process of winterizing plumbing pipes prepares the home for freezing temperatures that can cause leaks and breaks in the home. When water freezes it expands and if the expansion occurs in pipes it can produce pressure and cause damage. This process is recommended when the home will be vacant and no water will be running through the pipes. Make a plan when beginning this process as well as a list of all your home’s plumbing parts and you can be sure not to miss a step. 

Steps to Winterize Plumbing

1. Shut off the main water valve and turn off the water pump and heater
2. Open all drain valves and taps 
3. Blow excess water out of pipes using an air compressor
4. Open the drain valve in your hot water tank and let it drain completely
5. Flush all toilets repeatedly to remove as much water as possible and add antifreeze.
6. Check all sinks and tub drains for drain traps, add antifreeze to any found.

Taking the time to follow these steps can save you a lot of time and money in costly repairs later. For more information and tips be sure to call SERVPRO of Northern Summit County and they can walk you through the process.