The warmer weather cannot come soon enough but as we’ve seen, this Canadian winter is very unpredictable. On the occasion you experience your pipes freezing over and bursting, it is important that you proceed to fix the problem correctly, so you can lower the risk of further damages. Keep in mind that even though it is Spring your pipes there is still a chance for frost. Here’s a quick check list to help you remedy a problem should it occur.
1. Turn off Valve
BEFORE you do anything else, shut off the water valve to prevent further water from leaking and potentially causing the pipes to burst. If water is continuously flowing out of the valve, then all your hard work to fix the pipes will be for nothing.
2. Apply Heat
Begin thawing the ice by using a hair dryer or heater to warm up the pipe. Take safety precautions and monitor the heating device that is radiating onto the pipes. Avoid open flames, including torches, lighters and other highly explosive instrument.
3. Drain Water
Once you successfully unfreeze the pipes, let out all the excess water and make sure to clean the pipes thoroughly just in case there is any dirt or debris inside.
4. Call a Professional
You want to ensure that you are doing everything you can to protect your home in the safest way possible. So, bring in a professional to quickly dry the area and repair it. Frozen or burst pipes are a serious concerns and highly trained professionals will have industrial heavy-duty fans and dehumidifiers that will reduce damage, mould and mildew. Call Tyger Restoration and have a professional fix the problem and avoid any extensive damage.
How to Prevent This in the Future:
If you experienced your pipes freezing or bursting once before, then be sure to prevent this from happening again. Here's how:
- Make sure you are draining water inside the pipes before the cold season arrives. Shut off the water valves but make sure the hosebib is open so that all the water can drain out.
- To avoid the pipes inside your house from bursting, have air circulating freely by keeping all doors; bedroom, bathroom, laundry room open.
- Exterior pipes that run along the walls in the attic, garage, basement or crawl spaces are the most prone to freezing. An easy and more affordable fix is to insulate these pipes sooner than later.
- Finally, constantly check your pipes.
TIP: Keep the garage door closed and kitchen cabinets opened to allow warm air in, this way you keep the temperature balanced all day and night. If you’re going away in the winter keep heating on to keep your home warm and pipes from freezing.
IMPORTANT NOTE: If your taps are running a slow trickle, that may be a sign that you may have a frozen pipe. Shut the valve off, follow the above, and act immediately.
When disaster strikes, Tyger is the master in restoration. Restore the Roar and call us to repair your pipes!