Every year, approximately 250,000 homes experience damage caused by frozen pipes, according to State Farm Insurance. As the water in frozen pipes expands, it can cause pipes to break and floods to occur. There is no way to guarantee that this never occurs in Ashburn, but there are things you can do to prevent this from happening. The steps below may be able to prevent frozen pipes and flooding this winter.
#1: Drain outdoor water
Outdoor pipes are obviously more likely to freeze than indoor pipes. Take some time to drain sprinkler supply lines, swimming pools, and outdoor hose bibs.
#2: Install pipe sleeves or heat tape to exposed pipes
If there are any pipes in your home that are visible, take extra care to insulate them. Use pipe sleeves or heat tape to provide an extra layer of protection from chilly temperatures.
#3: Monitor your thermostat
Break the habit of turning off your thermostat to save money in the winter. If you ever go on vacation, make sure it is not set to anything lower than 55 degrees.
#4: Consider adding insulation
Check your attic, basement, and crawl spaces to see if they are lacking insulation. Doing this won’t just lower the possibility of frozen or broken pipes, it will also help lessen the blow of utility bill costs.
#5: Be prepared
You may be able to notice a frozen pipe before it breaks if you see a slow trickle of water when you open your faucet. Keep the faucet open and apply heat, either with an electric heating pad or hair dryer, to the pipe. (Do not use an open flame device.) Monitor the open faucet and maintain heat until water pressure returns.
Contact Paul Davis Restoration of Northern Virginia as soon as possible if you experience a broken pipe in your Ashburn home or business. Our professional water restoration services are able to provide immediate assistance in an emergency like this.
