Water in freezing pipes can wreak havoc in a home.
Once frozen pipes begin thawing out is when they can cause major water damage to your home. Massive amounts of water can gush from pipes that enter wall cavities and other structural materials. The worst case situations we encounter is when pipes on the 2nd floor break causing water to flow down to the main level and into the basement flooding the entire home.
Many times homeowners are welcomed home to ceilings hanging down dripping with water, contents wet and damaged and wood floors and cabinetry that are saturated with water. Wood is a semi-porous material that requires specialty drying methods that be expensive and time consuming to ensure that these materials are properly dried out.
Follow the tips below to help prevent a major water loss in your home
1. Shut off the water supply and drain pipes or appliances if you will be away from home for even a day or two.
2. Ask someone you trust check your home about once per week if you are away.
3. Post emergency numbers handy such as a plumber, electrician, roofer, and Sage Restoration.
4. Protect pipes, fittings, and appliances against freezing with insulation or heat strips.
5. Have your HVAC system serviced before leaving if you will be away for an extended period of time.
6. Set your thermostat no lower than 55 degrees.
7. Before leaving turn off your water heater. (See owner’s manual for procedures.)
8. Install storm windows and/or close shutters to keep in heat.
9. Clean gutters and downspouts to ensure proper water drainage.
10. Service sump pump to ensure proper operation. Adding a backup power source is prudent.
In the event you have water damage to your home, call Sage Restoration You Will Be Glad That You Did.
