The Big Freeze

These are some tips passed on to us from one of the Emergency Service Clean Up companies: Paul Davis Emergency Services

How to avoid pipes from freezing:

- Insulate all water pipes from cold moving air and keep the pipes dry.

- If electric power is unavailable or is lost, let the water run no faster than a slow constant drip; this is cheaper than repairing it.

- Always disconnect your water hose from your outdoor spigot in the winter, or before the temperature in your area drops below freezing.

-Open your cabinet doors to allow for heat.

If a pipe ruptures:

- Turn off the water main.

- If it’s heated water that’s coming from the broken pipe, you should also close the valve attached to your hot water heater.

- If the burst pipe is still frozen, don’t let it thaw.

- After you’ve shut down the water, call a plumber for help with repairing or replacing the burst pipe.

- Move any unaffected contents away from the water. This will not only keep your belongings dry, but it will also help our technicians dry the area more quickly.