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Freezing Pipes in Winter

When the weather gets cold, you may automatically think of things needed to keep you warm all winter long: jackets, warm socks, sweaters and hot chocolate. But, what about your home and how it may be feeling in the cold?

Although a home is not a living, breathing, organism, it is made up of different materials that can collectively react to the cold weather. One such reaction involves the pipes that bring water throughout your home.

Water is unique in that it is denser in water form than it is in ice form. In fact, at 32 degrees, the density decreases but volume increases by roughly 11%–which is enough to cause some issues with your pipes.

The volume increase will cause materials (whether they are plastic or metal) to break–causing significant and costly problems to your home.

Pipes that are the most at risk for a pipe break are those directly outdoors such as for a pool or outdoor hose. Or, in cold areas of your house such as an unfinished basement, attic, or any other place without insulation. The varying degrees of building construction, the direction of the wind on the home, and other factors all play a role in what pipes may or may not be at risk of breaking.

For those in colder temperatures, many tend to winterize their homes and head south to keep warm. Before heading out of town, homeowners should go about thoroughly draining the pipes and adding antifreeze. While this is great before the cold, the most significant problems can come once you turn everything back on. Many times a break occurs once the rush of water comes back in after a long and cold winter.

Unfortunately, the most significant pipe-related issue is that most are behind walls. So a leak, whether you are living in the home or coming back after the winter, may go unnoticed for some time. It is common for this to lead to serious damage being done to the floors, walls. Additionally, pipes may begin to rust or become further damaged.

Keeping on top of your home, whether you are there or not is key. Power outages causing deep cooling can break pipes, any water leakage can cause costly damage, etc.

Below are some quick tips to avoid these issues:

1) Have someone periodically check on your home

2) Have emergency numbers for plumbers and electricians on hand for any emergency that could involve pipe damage

3) Apply heat strips or insulation to help avoid freezing

4) Have your HVAC system inspected if you plan to leave for the winter

5) Clean gutters for proper water drainage to avoid other water issues

6) Turn off the water heater, shut off water supply, and drain pipes if you leave

7) Add antifreeze to pipes, regardless of whether you are there or not

These are a few quick suggestions, but only scratch the surface. PuroClean’s water damage specialists which serve the Teaneck, NJ area, will help assess and fix your water damage caused by a pipe break.

Your local Teaneck, NJ PuroClean water damage restoration team will be able to give you the best and most cost-efficient options. Let our water damage restoration experts help you get back to normal after experiencing water damage. Call your local Teaneck, NJ PuroClean office at  201-205-2506 today for more info.

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