Water and Frozen Pipes

1/12/2022 (Permalink)

As snow continues to fall and winter temperatures fluctuate below freezing, it's possible for your pipes to freeze. Not only do freezing pipes cause a great inconvenience, they also cause major property damage leaving you with extensive repairs.

What Causes Freezing Pipes:

Exterior freezing temperatures cause the water to freeze and expand, creating a blockage. This blockage will cause an increase in pressure and strain your plumbing system. If the pressure gets too great it will cause the pipe to burst. 

Pipes located along the exterior walls of your property may not have the adequate amount of insulation in protecting them from the exterior freezing temperatures. Pipes located in the attic or basement may not be as warm as other areas of the house which can cause a greater tendency to freeze. Lack of use can cause freezing pipes. Leaving for an extended period of time and/ or lowing your interior temperature while you're away, can cause remaining water in your piping system to freeze when exterior temperatures drop below freezing. 

Signs of Frozen Pipes

One of the first signs for the potential of frozen pipes is when exterior temperatures drop below freezing. You can take precautions like adding insulation to prevent vulnerable pipes from freezing. Frozen pipes can show an accumulation of frost on the exterior of the pipe, this warning sign can indicate the pipe is frozen before you even turn on the faucet and there is a lack of running water, this can indicate that the pipe may be frozen. 

If you experience a Water Damage as a result of frozen pipes in your business call SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby County today. 502.241.6861 

SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby also services Spencer, Henry and Trimble Counties.