Be Prepared to Handle Whatever Winter Throws at You

11/27/2022 (Permalink)

Call SERVPRO if you experience water damage from extreme winter weather!

Ohio winters, especially with lake effect snow, can be brutal. Not only are you worried about keeping yourself warm and cozy during the cold months, but you have to make sure that your home is as well to avoid disaster. Each year, SERVPRO of Barberton/Norton experiences a high volume of emergency water losses caused by freezing pipes, often leaving behind major disasters in homes and businesses.

 Be Prepared:

• Know where your water shut off is located. In the case of a frozen water pipe burst, you will first want to stop the source by shutting off the water immediately.
• Insulate exposed pipes, especially if they are in unheated rooms.
• Leave open bathroom and kitchen sink cabinet doors during extreme cold spells to allow warmer air to circulate around the plumbing.
• During below zero weather, keep a slow trickle or constant drip of water flowing through faucets. Water is less likely to freeze if it is constantly traveling rather than sitting in the plumbing.
• Keep your heat set to the same temperature both day and night.
• If you plan on being away from your property for an extended period of time, leave the heat on and set the thermostat to at least 55°F.DO NOT turn your heat off completely.

If You Discover Frozen Pipes:

• First sign of freezing is reduced or slow moving water flow from a faucet.
• Do not use an open flame device to try and thaw the pipes.
• Methods you can try to unfreeze the pipes on your own include using a hair dryer, heating pad or hot towels, heat lamp or portable space heater.
• Make sure to keep the faucet open when treating the frozen pipes.
• Check additional pipes and faucets for freezing.

When a Frozen Pipe Bursts:

• Shut off the water at the main valve.
• Contact your local plumber to repair the broken pipe.
• Call your local water restoration professionals, SERVPRO of Barberton/Norton.

A burst pipe can cause considerable damage to your property if not addressed quickly. If winter weather causes water damage to your home or business, call SERVPRO of Barberton/Norton at 330-825-1803.