Water Damage - Tips To Prevent Water Damage From Frozen Pipes

If you live in an area that is prone to very cold winters that are at freezing temperatures consistently, then you probably know all the aggravation that can come with having your water lines in your home freeze and burst.

This is all too common in the dead of winter time when people do not prepare the way that they should to avoid this situation. A little work ahead of time and a little money well spent can save you everything from some slight aggravation to a really big disaster.

It is always a good thing to have a check list that you can use on a regular basis to keep your home safe guarded against sudden water damage. This should include making sure anywhere inside or outside your home that has water coming in or going out is kept in good repair. All pipes, appliances, spigots, the roof, windows and doors. All of these things have potential to allow water damage if things go wrong.

Winter time is an especially risky time for water damage due to pipes freezing. People who have owned homes for a long time probably already know about safe guarding against pipe freezing. This kind of water damage usually occurs during the night when temperatures dip to their lowest degree.

While you are sleeping, pipes can be freezing, which causes the water to expand resulting sometimes in busted pipes. When the water thaws is usually when you find out there is a busted pipe somewhere. Sometimes it can be inside, sometimes outside.

Most commonly it will be in the crawl space under the house, a basement, or spigot outside. They can also burst under sinks, toilets, and tubs, and appliances. What a mess, especially if it takes time to get the water turned off.

Being prepared for freezing weather is the best solution to avoid this particular water damage. Copper and PVC pipes are prone to burst when frozen while holding water. A crack as small as an eighth of an inch can spew out up to 250 gallons of water in a day.

This can be prevented by pipe insulation in the crawl space of your home and also the attic. The more they are insulated the more they are protected. Thermostatically controlled cables or heat tape can be used also. Follow manufacturer's directions carefully with the cables. Sealing any place where cold air can seep in is essential.

Caulking, weather stripping, and insulation are all helpful things to use. Remember to disconnect garden hoses and turn off any water valves possible that lead to pipes going into the house. Using these precautions can prevent some really nasty water damage.