Although New England saw an unseasonably mild and calm start to winter, it seems things have gotten back to normal, with the region seeing two major snowstorms within the past week. Large amounts of snow and high winds can cause a plethora of problems for homeowners in New England.
In addition to snow removal, power outages, and structural damage issues, major significant snow storms also bring extreme temperatures, which increases the chances of burst pipes. When temperatures sink below 32 degrees, pipes are at risk to burst. Water running through pipes can freeze, causing the pipes to expand, and possibly burst. Burst pipes can cause significant water damage to one’s home, costing hundreds, and in some cases, thousands of dollars in damage.
There are a several ways to prevent pipes from bursting in your home. This winter, keep the following tips in mind:
Leave your Heat On:
The easiest way to combat the possibility of burst pipes is to leave your heat on when the exterior temperatures drop below 30 degrees. Homeowners concerned with their energy bills skyrocketing should realize that the cost of leaving their heat on during cold weather is relatively low compared to the cost of water damage cleanup and restoration. When not home, homeowners should leave their heat at a minimum of 60 degrees if the forecast calls for freezing temperatures.
Make Sure Heat is Distributed
When temperatures outside trickle into single digits and below, homeowners should consider taking additional precautions. Since heat does not often get distributed evenly throughout one’s home, homeowners should make sure that it reaches areas of the home where pipes are located. If pipes are tucked away inside a cabinet, consider opening the door to the cabinet to let the heat warm up the pipes. If pipes seem to be frozen, try heating them up with a hair dryer or space heater.
What to Do When Pipes Burst
After the burst pipes have been fixed by a professional, contact J. Brian Day immediately for water damage cleanup and restoration. The longer large amounts of water permeate your home’s foundation, the more damage it can cause. Left untreated, water damage can eventually cause mold as well.