We’re wrapping up summer and things are turning into fall, which is a wonderful time of year. Maybe you have kids who are enjoying running through the sprinklers for the last time before school starts in a week, or maybe you are going to a backyard end-of-summer swim party with friends. Whatever it is, you probably are aware that the time of fun outdoor water activities is wrapping up for the year. Soon, Fall will be here, and the water in our pipes has the potential to freeze. When the water in pipes freezes, it expands, causing pressure on the pipes, which are already more brittle because of the cold. They will crack and burst, causing water to leak into places where it can cause damage in your home.
Water Damage In Cedar City
Water damage is one of the most common issues that homeowners face. And broken pipes during the winter is one of the most common causes of water damage. So, are we all doomed to watch history repeat itself, or is there anything that can be done for the concerned homeowner to prevent broken pipes this winter? There are certainly ways to make broken pipes in your home this winter less likely. Here are a few of them:
- Keep the thermostat set at the same temperature during the night and the day. Don’t turn it to be colder at night. This may save a little on heating costs but won’t save you anything if you end up freezing a pipe. This also applies when you are going out of town; don’t set your thermostat below 50 degrees Fahrenheit.
- Speaking of going out of town, when you do so, turn off your water supply. This will prevent water from being in the pipes during your vacation, preventing potential ruptures of pipes.
- Insulate your pipes. You can have a professional do this, or you can do it yourself. Most local hardware stores even sell a heat-insulation tape that makes this really easy.
- Let your faucet drip. In the winter, a tiny drip from your faucet keeps the water running through your pipes and keeps the pressure lower.
- Keep doors inside your home open to allow warm air to move efficiently, preventing areas of your home from getting too cold. That being said, of course, do not open your outside doors or garage doors for long periods of time, or unnecessarily.
These things can help you prevent water damage this winter. That way, you’ll have more time and money for the things that really matter! Of course, if you still manage to burst a pipe this winter, call Ally 1 Disaster Solutions in Cedar City; we’re trained experts in water damage restoration, and can get your home in tip-top shape again efficiently, economically, and effectively. And, we’re available 24/7 for your water damage emergencies! We can’t wait to help you out, doing what we know how to do best.
