Freezing Pipes Can Cause Water Damage and Lead to Mold Growth

Preventing Frozen Pipes:

• Insulate Pipes: Insulate pipes, especially those exposed to colder temperatures, using pipe insulation or heating tape. This can help maintain higher temperatures and prevent freezing.
• Keep Interior Temperature Consistent: Maintain a consistent temperature inside your home, especially during extremely cold weather. This helps prevent pipes in vulnerable areas, like attics and basements, from freezing.
• Open Cabinet Doors: Allow warm air to circulate around pipes under sinks by opening cabinet doors. This can be particularly helpful for pipes located along exterior walls.
• Drip Faucets: During extremely cold weather, allow faucets to drip slightly. The movement of water can prevent freezing.
• Seal Leaks: Inspect and seal any gaps or cracks in walls, floors, and ceilings, as these can allow cold air to reach pipes.
• Disconnect Hoses: Disconnect and drain outdoor hoses, and shut off water supply to outdoor faucets.
• Keep Heat On When Away: If you plan to be away during cold weather, keep the heat on in your home or set it to a temperature that prevents freezing.

What to Do When a Frozen Pipe Bursts:

• Shut Off Water Supply: Locate and shut off the main water valve immediately. This minimizes water damage and pressure on the affected pipe.
• Turn Off Electricity: If the burst pipe is near electrical appliances or outlets, turn off the electricity in that area to avoid electrical hazards.
• Call a Plumber: Contact a reliable plumber, preferably one with 24-hour emergency services, to assess and repair the burst pipe.
• Water Damage Restoration: If there is a flooded area or you need to have water removed from the area, contact a reputable water damage restoration company to assess and mitigate further damage such as mold growth. SCCS NWI is one such service that can be reached for assistance. Remember mold can growth in the right conditions within 24 hours so it is imperative that you take action quickly.
• Contact Your Insurance Company: Inform your homeowner's insurance company about the incident. Take photos of the damage for documentation. You insurance company will let you know if the damage is covered by your policy.

Understanding Why Pipes Burst:

Expansion of Water: Water expands when it freezes, creating pressure within pipes.

Increased Pressure: As ice forms inside a pipe, it creates a blockage, leading to an increase in water pressure upstream.

Pipe Weakening: The pressure created by the frozen blockage can weaken the pipe structure, leading to bursts in vulnerable areas.

Thawing and Water Release: When the temperature rises, the ice thaws, and the water trapped behind the ice blockage is released with force, causing the pipe to burst.

Repeated Freezing and Thawing: Pipes subjected to repeated freezing and thawing are at a higher risk of bursting due to the cumulative stress on the pipe walls.