Feb 08 2011
On the cold front…
More cold days ahead for Michigan, with temperatures dipping into the low teens. For many home or business owners, with water pipes in unheated areas, like crawl spaces, attics or garages, chances are they will have to deal with some frozen pipes. As things start to thaw (soon, I hope!), that spells trouble. Flooding from broken pipes could cause a great deal of damage to residential or commercial properties.
Water damage, especially if not promptly attended to, is very costly to repair. So here are some things to be aware of, to avoid flooding from broken pipes:
- if water doesn’t turn on, your pipes could be frozen; turn off the main valve and call your plumber immediately.
- if you have outdoor pipes, cover them with insulation; inside, make sure all areas of your home are kept warm; open cabinet doors to let warm air in.
- if you suspect a frozen pipe, until things start to thaw, it may be difficult to determine exactly where the blockage is. As they start to thaw, they may rupture – make sure you know how to turn off the water to avoid potential catastrophe.
- as leaks can turn into rivers in a heartbeat, make sure you do not leave your property unattended if you suspect a frozen pipe
- re-check your property insurance policy. While most cover water damage from broken pipes, you will need to prove that you properly drained exterior plumbing lines, and maintained adequate temperature inside.