How To Prevent Winter Water Damage (Part 2 of 2)

In our first article How to prevent winter water damage we learned that hot water heaters, sump pump drain lines and outside water lines are risks to water damage. See article here: How To Prevent Winter Water Damage (Part 1 of 2) 

In this follow up article we will discuss issues surrounding temperature and insulation in your home or commercial property that can prevent you from needing water damage restoration.

Proper Insulation Around Plumbing System

Every Winter we are called out on water damage restoration jobs because a pipe froze and broke due to a lack of proper insulation. Sometimes it’s a crawl space, a basement pipe or attic pipe but ultimately it’s because of a lack of insulation.  When owning a property it’s important to inspect it thoroughly for insulation on every level of the house or commercial building.  This will allow you to take preventative measures to insulate any areas that are a potential risk for frozen or burst pipes when the temperature drops below freezing.

Keep A Uniform Temperature in your home or building

So you’re leaving for a vacation or work trip and you turn your thermostat down to 58 or 60 degrees, is this a big deal?  The answer is yes!  During the Winter months a thermostat set 8, 10 or 12 degrees lower for several days is enough of a temperature drop for a poorly insulated area to experience water damage due to a frozen or burst pipe. Also if you lowered your thermostat you may not be covered by your insurance company for your water damage cleanup and reconstruction cost. The few dollars you will save from lowering your thermostat isn’t worth the risks of water or flood damage from a broken or burst pipe.

Convert old pipes to PEX

Old galvanized steel pipes don’t flex when pipes freeze which is why they are so prone to bursting when temperatures drop below freezing. If you purchase an older home or commercial property we recommend upgrading to PEX piping system as soon as practicable.  Below are the benefits of PEX piping system:

• Flexibility:
  PEX is a flexible, cross-linked polyethylene pipe, which allows it to expand and contract more than rigid pipes like galvanized steel.
• Freeze Resistance:
  This flexibility helps PEX pipes withstand the pressure of water expanding as it freezes, reducing the risk of bursting. (But they can still burst if not properly insulated)
• Durability:
  PEX is generally more durable than steel pipes and less prone to corrosion or scale buildup.
• Installation:
  PEX is easier to install than steel pipes, as it can be bent and connected without specialized tools. (Still need a licensed plumber to upgrade your piping system)

Annual Heating/HVAC Inspection

Having your heater system inspected annually to ensure that it is in good working condition before the start of each Winter is a prudent decision as a home owner.  During a polar vortex or extreme cold weather, your heating system will be put to the test. Ensuring that it is top working order before it is challenged could prevent your system from failing and risking a broken pipe and water damage restoration to your home or commercial property.

Let AfterCare Restoration provide the Professional Water Damage Mitigation You Need